African American

Dare to be a Doctor returns! The highly successful event will return for its second year on Oct. 17 at the Westchester County Center. Visit our Events Calendar for more information.

The first-of-its-kind Clergy Day. On Oct. 30, the Office of African American Affairs will host the very first Clergy Day at the Westchester County Center. Visit our Events Calendar for more information.

Get involved with the Trailblazer Awards. A celebration for Black History Month, the Trailblazer Awards recognize outstanding citizens who have made substantial contributions to Westchester County. Nominate someone who deserves one of these awards. Click here for a nomination form and visit the Trailblazer Awards page for more information and a description of the Awards.

Westchester County Executive Andy Spano wants you to have the latest information on how to avoid and manage the flu this season. The H1N1 flu vaccine will be available later this fall through your primary care or pediatric provider or obstetrician, but you are urged to schedule your regular flu shot now. Residents who are pregnant, age 50 and over and all children ages six months to 18 years old should be vaccinated annually for the regular flu. Each year, 36,000 Americans die from regular flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized. So far, H1N1 flu has caused mostly mild illness. For more information, visit www.westchestergov.com/health.

Westchester County is rich in African American history and offers interesting and compelling ways to experience the contributions that people of African descent have made to our unique American identity.

Minority- and women-owned businesses (MWOBs) should take advantage of the newly launched, online registry designed especially for them. Once registered, MWOBs will be sent automated e-mail notifications of relevant business opportunities according to pre-selected business categories. Additionally, MWOBs will be sent notices of workshops and seminars on how to do business with government. Separately, an updated online application to search county government contracts was unveiled. This application allows all firms to easily search and view business opportunities with the county.

On Feb. 5, the county recognized five high achievers at its annual Black History Month Awards and Reception. The Trailblazers "Preserving Our Legacy" event honored outstanding local African Americans and debuted video presentations highlighting two more sites on Westchester’s African American Heritage Trail.

Rx For Success: Dare to be a Doctor is a program targeted to motivated minority and disadvantaged students in middle and high school who are interested in pursuing careers in the medical field. Students interested in future workshops or information sessions should submit their e-mail address in order to receive notifications.

Consider a trip to the Neuberger Museum of Art at Purchase College to view its outstanding collection of African art. It's strongest in the arts of central Africa, however, major objects offer artistic insights into more than 30 cultures and span a geographic area from Mali to Mozambique.