ALBANY, N.Y. – The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services will host a special Black History Month virtual program, “The Weight & The Witness: Honoring Black Veterans Through Story, Poetry, and Living Memory,” on Friday, Feb. 6 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
This reflective and powerful program will honor the legacy, resilience and lived experiences of Black Service Members across generations through film, spoken word, artistic expression and dialogue. The special event is free.
The event will be moderated by Special Assistant for Community Engagement at the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Dr. Lessie Branch. Branch is an award-winning scholar, author and advocate. “The Weight & The Witness” centers the voices and stories of those whose service has too often gone unseen, yet whose contributions have profoundly shaped our nation.
Albany City Mayor Dorcey Applyrs, will be a featured guest speaker during the program, joining department leadership and community voices in reflecting on the enduring impact of black service members and the importance of remembrance, equity and inclusion.
“Black History Month is a time not only to remember history, but to bear witness to lived experience,” New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana M. DeCohen said. “This program honors Black Service Members whose courage, sacrifice, and stories deserve to be uplifted, preserved, and shared. At DVS, we remain committed to serving All Who Served and ensuring that every story matters and every voice is heard.”
“This program is about truth, dignity, and recognition,” Executive Deputy Commissioner Joel Evans said. “By honoring Black Service Members through story and memory, we strengthen our collective understanding of service and reaffirm our responsibility to ensure equity, access, and belonging for all who served.”
“Bearing witness is an act of respect and an act of justice,” Branch said. “This gathering invites us to listen deeply, honor legacy, and carry forward the stories of Black Service Members whose lives and service continue to positively shape our communities and our country.”
Register: https://tinyurl.com/dvsevents.
All are welcome to attend DVS’s Black History Month program as New Yorkers come together to honor service, legacy, and living memory.
