Historical Inauguration at Babylon Town Hall
Jacqueline Gordon sworn in as first Afro-American Board member and third woman on Town Board
by Carolyn James

Jacqueline A. Gordon, left, takes the oath of office from Babylon Town Supervisor Steve Bellone, as Gordon's children Kerri Anne and Augustus look on. Photo by Cliff De Bear

At an historical inauguration ceremony at Babylon Town Hall last week, newly elected Jacqueline A. Gordon raised her right hand, put her left hand on the Bible and took the oath of office as the first Afro- American Town Board member. Her election also makes her the third woman on the Town's five-member board.

Both of those distinctions did not go unnoticed by the large crowd that gathered at Town Hall to mark the event Wednesday, December 27.

"I am squarely aware that (Councilman) Lindsay (Henry) and I are clearly now in the minority on this Town Board, said Babylon Town Supervisor Steve Bellone, drawing laughter from the crowd. Borrowing a phrase from M a r g a r e t Thatcher, he said "in politics if you want anything said, ask a man; if you want anything done, ask a woman."

"The one to whom much is given, much is expected," said Gordon as she welcomed the crowd and spoke about her hopes and aspirations as a sitting board member. "I was given your trust, your confidence and your hope,"she told the crowd, "and I will support all the citizens of the Town of Babylon and continue to move the Town in the right direction."

Gwendolyn Brown, president of the LI Chapter of the NAACP, presents certificate to Councilwoman Jacqueline A. Gordon recognizing her as Babylon's first Afro-American Town Board Member. Photo by Cliff De Bear

Standing beside her as she took the oath of office were her son and daughter, Augustus and Kerri Anne.

Gordon, a Democrat who ran with support from the Conservative and Working Families parties, was elected to the seat formerly held by Democrat David Bishop who did not seek reelection. A veteran, she was deployed twice to Iraq and is currently a guidance counselor at Wilson Technological High School.

Babylon Town Clerk Janice Tinsley Colbert, who is also Afro-American, told Gordon, "I have your back, sister," and asked that theTown's public officials not be too controlling and the public not too overwhelming. "Let us give her time and room to overwhelm us," she said.

Recalling her years on the Town Board, former Councilwoman Sondra Bachety drew laughter when she said that her term from 1968-79 was spent primarily as the only Democrat- and the only woman on the board. "Both were not very popular at that time," she said, adding that Babylon has become a "pioneer" for other municipalities. "It has opened doors and given the opportunity to allow all of its citizens representation and to be a part of their government. I am proud to have once been a part of this Town Board."

Gordon received commendations from Gwendolyn Brown, president of the NAACP, Central LI Branch and George Inkpen, Major, USMC (Ret.) and chair- man of the town's Veterans Advisory Council. An invocation was made by bishop Michael Talbert,First Church of Wyandanch and a benediction was by Rev. Constance Carter-Davis, First AME Church in Wyandanch. Presentation of Colors was by the Lindenhurst High School Marine Corps Jr. ROTC and the Pledge was led by Sgt. Erin McKeon, 800th Military Police Brigade in Uniondale who served with Gordon and singing of the Star Spangled Banner was led by Gerry Compitello. Councilwoman Ellen McVeety was mistress of ceremonies.

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
He's Wild about the Fourth of July	1
Cub Scout Pack #2 recruits for future leaders at Heritage Fair on June 14	1
Mystal violated the public's trust	1
DRAWING CONCLUSIONS-	1
Leg. Mystal congratulates Amityville students	1
Amityville's Nicholas Krauszer: dedicated soldier & family man	1
AMHS track named coach Jerry Pollock	1
Sometimes you feel like a nut...	1
DRAWING CONCLUSIONS	1