[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t was an evening of rejoicing as Indian-Americans got together with the stalwarts of the African-American community to celebrate Black History Month remembering the many contributions and sacrifices made. The event was organized by the Indian Consulate in collaboration with the Shanti Fund.

[dropcap]C[/dropcap]onsul General Randhir Jaiswal pointed out the many commonalties between the two communities and their freedom struggles. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Gandhian at heart and has said, “If humanity is to progress, Gandhi is inescapable. He lived, thought and acted, inspired by the vision of humanity evolving toward a world of peace and harmony. We may ignore him at our own risk.”

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]here was heartfelt gospel singing by Soh Young Lee-Segredo and Performers and powerful insights from two distinguished personalities: Dr. Timothy Sams, President of SUNY-Old Westbury, and Dr. Bernadine Waller, noted researcher, who spoke about the linkages between the two communities and what unites them.

A recitation of Maya Angelou’s  “Still I Rise’ moved the audience and showed them – black and brown – their common joys and fears.