In recognition of Black History Month, Freeport High School hosted a Black History Month assembly featuring keynote speaker Suffolk County Police Department Commissioner Rodney K. Harrison and Freeport High School students.
Commissioner Harrison is Suffolk County’s first African American police commissioner. He began his career as a cadet in the New York Police Department in 1991. He rose through the ranks to become the Chief of Detectives and later became Chief of Department. Commissioner Harrison was the first African American to rise in the ranks to both positions.
During his presentation, he answered questions pertaining to the Black community and its relationship to policing. Freeport High School students joined in the celebration sharing their talents by participating in a skit acknowledging and celebrating African American inventers. Freeport High School students also sang in a gospel chorus.
“Our Black History Month assembly was a wonderful celebration. We were honored to have the first African-American Suffolk County Police Commissioner as our keynote speaker,” Freeport High School Principal Gisselle Campbell-Ham said. “The achievements of African-Americans have contributed to our nation's greatness. The skit and gospel choir performance by our students truly lifted our spirits and strengthened feelings of togetherness.”