MONTICELLO – A special meeting of the Sullivan County Legislature on February 26 celebrated the 100th Anniversary of Black History Month with a chorus rendition of the Black National Anthem, several speeches, a live band, and a commemoration of Monticello resident Pedro Tweed, a gymnastics and tai chi instructor, who was praised for his decades of service to his community. 

The event was organized and hosted by District 8 Legislator Amanda Ward, a former student of Tweed’s. Garageband, a band of local high school students, opened up the vibes with a bluesy groove that got people’s feet tapping. After their first song, Ward showered the young musicians with praise, saying, “You guys are truly an inspiration!” 

Ward read aloud a speech written by Human Rights Director Ramone Wilson, who was absent from the event. Wilson’s speech traced the evolution of Black History Month celebrations, which first received nationwide recognition in 1976 but actually originated in 1926 through the efforts of Historian Carter Woodson, who launched Negro History Week. Quoting Wilson’s speech, Ward said, “Black History is not a side story to American history, it is American history.” Citing the story of early African-American landowner and Neversink resident Phineas Booth, Wilson’s speech linked Black history to the development of Sullivan County.

After remarks were given by guest speakers Adult Care Center Administrator Kayshawn Macharie, New York State Assembly Representative Dominic Parisi, and Historian Al Dumas, the commemoration of Pedro Tweed officially began. Ward read aloud the proclamation from the Legislature, which noted that approximately 12% of Sullivan County’s year-round population identifies as African-American. Her words focused on Pedro “Pete” Tweed’s legacy of lifting up those around him by exuding his poignant tranquility and magnetic optimism: “Pete has devoted his life to improving thousands of people’s physical and mental health and to sharing his talents and inspiration via gymnastics, martial arts, writing, acting, and living a life of honor and courage.” 

When it came time for Tweed to speak, he said, “Thank God I have my faith, because right now I feel kind of weak in my knees and the last time I felt like that was when I met my wife.” As he said these words, he looked to his wife Crystal Tweed, the Democrat Sports Editor, in the audience. “I didn’t know that falling in love makes you kind of dizzy.” 

Pedro Tweed, who said he didn’t prepare a speech because he likes to speak from his heart, thanked the Legislature for the celebration and several former students who were in the audience, which included District Attorney Brian Conaty. He expressed gratitude for being recognized by Sullivan County and pride for catalyzing the transformation in the lives of his students.