Letters

The recognition of Black history was originally only a weeklong event but officially became Black History Month in 1976, when President Gerald Ford extended the recognition to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Black History Month has been celebrated in the United States every February, which so happens to be the shortest month of the year. But, culturally, it’s a “365” recognition and celebration known inclusively as “American history.” Black people have existed in a world where there has been, and is, a paradox of oppression and injustice, but we purpose to stand strong in the resilience of exuberant joy.

So what better iconic local hero to be celebrated in the Village of Southampton than our own Pyrrhus Concer. A former slave born right here in the Village of Southampton in what we now know as Cooper Hall on March 17, 1814, where his mom, Violet, was a slave to the Cooper family.

Many of you know of this extraordinary man’s story, from slavery to self-sufficient empowerment, becoming an owner of his home at 51 Pond Lane, a heroic whaler, entrepreneur and a philanthropist. And in spite of his challenging beginnings, he was a Christian man full of joy and gratitude, willing to give back.

Mr. Concer left a lasting legacy, giving a great portion of his economic wealth to start a widows and educational fund at the church he belonged to; current members confirm that the Concer Education Fund is still active. Mr. Concer was a blessing to the people in the Village of Southampton who loved, honored and respected him.

Fast-forward: Newsday is featuring stories to celebrate Black History Month and was scheduled to cover a wonderful Southampton school tour at the Southampton African American Museum’s Black History Program. The next stop for the Newsday reporter and cameraperson was 51 Pond Lane, which they insisted had to be included in their Black History series.

Upon arriving, we were shocked and embarrassed to find the once beautiful recreation of the Pyrrhus Concer boat, which once had Ralph Lauren awnings, sitting there basically grossly unrecognizable. Words cannot express the gut punch feeling.

My immediate thought was, and remains: Is this again how the Village of Southampton is disrespectfully honoring Pyrrhus Concer, of at all times during Black History Month?

As a people from a royal ancestral background, our legacy of resilience persists against injustice to find Black joy; the positive nourishment within self and others that is a safe and healing place. It is a way of resting the body, mind and spirit in response to the traumatic, devastating and life-altering racialized experiences that Black people continue to encounter.

Brenda Simmons

Founder and Executive Director

Southampton African American Museum