(HEMPSTEAD, N.Y.) - Nassau County Legislators Scott M. Davis (D – Rockville Centre) and Seth I. Koslow (D – Merrick) joined with Morrison Mentors and community members at Hempstead’s Kennedy Memorial Park on Sunday, Jan. 19 for the second annual Arthur Morrison Day – an event held in honor of a beloved educator and community leader who passed away in September 2020.
This year’s event, which was livestreamed on Twitch, included basketball competition drawn from two separate age groups and a special police-versus-community game. It also embraced the organization’s emphasis on technology and STEM education by hosting an “NBA 2K” tournament and offering virtual reality and 3D printing for attendees to enjoy. During the festivities, Ruth Roberson was presented with the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her numerous contributions to the Hempstead community.
“For over a decade, the Morrison Mentors have worked diligently and selflessly to enrich the lives of deserving students in Hempstead, Roosevelt, Westbury and across Nassau County – and there is no greater embodiment of their mission of service than Ruth Roberson – a beloved pillar of Hempstead Village,” Legislator Davis said. “This event is a fitting tribute to the values and the vision of Arthur Morrison, and it is heartwarming to see so much good continues being done in Arthur’s name.”
“The Morrison Mentors perform an outstanding service by enriching the lives of Nassau County’s young people and equipping our next generation of leaders to excel – just as Arthur Morrison did throughout his life,” Legislator Koslow said. “I had a wonderful time joining Legislator Davis at this celebration and thank everyone involved for all they do to support our most important job – supporting and empowering our youth.”
Morrison graduated from Hempstead High School in the mid-1960s and later returned to become a renowned teacher and basketball coach at the high school. Throughout the district, he was known for leading a weekly basketball team at Kennedy Park and tutored children in Spanish and math in the park’s multipurpose room.
In 2012, he teamed up with cofounders Doron Spleen and Ike Makuado to launch Morrison Mentors, which delivers STEM (science, technology, electronics, and mathematics) education through workshops, events, one-on-one tutoring, and internship programs. The organization also provides professional attire and devices such as laptops and tablets to participants.
PHOTO CREDIT – Office of Legislator Scott M. Davis