Putnam County Celebrates Black History Month, BHS Senior's Research

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — Putnam County held a Black History Month Celebration on the steps of the Historic County Courthouse in mid-February, with an independent research project by Brewster High School student Nina DeFazio prominent at the event.

Linda Parris, who organized the Black History Celebration, and Putnam Historian Jennifer Cassidy, who helped to organize a number of exhibits, were particularly pleased with DeFazio's research and posters.

"Nina is a delightful young woman who has great potential," Cassidy told Patch. "When this topic came up for further exploration, Kayla Corvino of the BHS History Department recommended her to my office. Nina dove right in to researching Black Heritage and the history of cake walks that took place right here in Putnam County. I’m very proud of what she’s done and it was an honor to mentor her."

DeFazio's poster exhibits will now be part of the Historian’s Collection at the Putnam County Archives, Cassidy said.

DeFazio had an opportunity to speak to the gathered crowd at the event.

Following her graduation in June, DeFazio hopes to pursue a degree in political science, Cassidy said.

"Introducing her to elected officials, including County Executive Kevin Byrne, was a great opportunity for her to meet the real people behind the ballots and witness our representatives interacting with the community," Cassidy said.