Somers celebrates Race Amity Day

SOMERS, N.Y. - Race Amity Day, a chance to showcase the ways diverse partnerships can foster positive social change, was celebrated with song, food, a bit of history, fellowship, and a proclamation in Somers this past weekend.

The annual festival, hosted by Race Amity of Northern Westchester & Putnam, took place at Reis Park on Sunday, June 14.

After a potluck picnic was shared, Aimee Schneider’s rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” evoked a hopeful and reflective mood in participants.

Later, Gamaliel “Gammy” Moses, a cultural drummer and environmental educator, really got the rhythm started as the crowd gamely followed along with handheld percussion instruments such as djembes (hand drums) and cowbells.

Susan Cody, co-founder of RANWP, explained the origins of the movement to have the second day in June declared an official federal holiday.

Also in attendance were RANWP steering committee members Nola Blair, Charmaine Aleong, Judyth Stavans, and David Stavans.

Activist Linda Paris spoke about how, in 1865, thousands of newly emancipated African Americans had gathered in Charleston, S.C., to honor fallen Union soldiers. It is widely considered as the very first large-scale Memorial Day commemoration in the United States, she said.

She also reminded folks about the annual Juneteenth Celebration in Putnam County’s Carmel, set for Friday, June 19.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery. It marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed they were free -- over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

A poignant “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often called the “Black National Anthem,” was sung.

Town Councilwoman Gina Arena presented the RANWP with a proclamation from the town declaring Sunday, June 14, as Race Amity Day in Somers.

“It’s so nice to listen to the story (behind RANWP) and realize that everybody in this group is working toward just loving one another and creating friendships,” she said.

It read, in part:

“Whereas, the United States is a diverse nation comprised of individuals from many cultures, ethnicities and races, it is essential that we continue to reject prejudice, foster understanding, and encourage respect, kindness, and amity among all people.

Whereas, the Town of Somers recognizes the importance of building bridges across differences and strengthening the bonds that unite our community through friendship, good will, and mutual respect.

Therefore, let it be known that, on behalf of the entire Town Board of Somers, I Robert Scorrano (supervisor) declare Sunday, June 14, 2026, as Race Amity Day in the Town of Somers.”