Thursday, October 1, 2026
Attendees gathered at Center Court as Green Acres marked its annual Black History Month Celebration, commemorating 100 years of honoring Black history.
Held from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 28, the afternoon highlighted culture, creativity and youth empowerment while reinforcing the shopping center’s role as a community gathering space for Valley Stream and neighboring communities.
“Black History Month has been recognized at Green Acres for several years, and over the past three years, we’ve continued to expand the programming to create a more immersive and community-driven celebration,” Jill Bromberg, community relations manager at Green Acres, said. “Each year, we’ve grown the event by strengthening local partnerships, adding interactive elements and increasing opportunities to highlight youth talent and cultural expression. It’s been exciting to see the celebration evolve into something that truly reflects the vibrancy of our community.”
The celebration opened with the Kids and Cops DJ program, led by a retired law enforcement officer. The two-hour set blended music with community engagement, setting an upbeat and welcoming tone for attendees of all ages.
At 3:30 p.m., the spotlight turned to “Black History Through Dance,” presented by Perfection Dance Center. The Elmont-based studio, which has served students for more than 30 years, performed five dances featuring students ages 6 to 14. Each age group took the floor separately before joining together for a combined finale. Between performances, the program provided historical context for each dance style, outlining its origins and influences within Black history, as well as information about the studio.
Following the performance, Green Acres presented a $500 scholarship to Dare to Dream Perfection Inc., the nonprofit affiliated with the dance center. The organization supports personal development through dance and dance education and raises funds for scholarships that assist students, particularly those entering the arts, with first-year college tuition, books and related expenses.
“Presenting a $500 scholarship to Dare to Dream Perfection Inc. is especially meaningful because it supports opportunities for young dancers to continue developing their talent,” Bromberg said. “We’re proud to invest in a local organization that uplifts youth and celebrates cultural expression in such a powerful way.”
The event concluded with a Black History Month Game Show from 4 to 6:30 p.m., featuring trivia. Participants answered questions about Black history for the chance to win gift card prizes.
