The Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center’s Thinking Forward Lecture Series will presents “The Center’s History Uncovered” with Mark Torres, moderated by board member, Rev. Tisha Dixon Williams on Saturday, June 11, at 4 PM, at First Baptist Church in Bridgehampton.
“We have told this story for many years, but with our new building transforming The Center, we wanted to know more. We wanted to remember the children that died in the October 22, 1950 fire that inspired the community to come together and create a safe place on the Turnpike for children,” said a statement from The Center.
Born out of tragedy after a fire in a migrant camp killed two children of seasonal workers, The Center continues to serve our community’s children with educational and enrichment programs. For many working parents, The Center is a lifeline.
“Long Island Migrant Labor Camps: Dust for Blood” is the riveting true account of the migrant labor camps in Suffolk County from their inception during World War II, through their heyday in 1960, and culminating with their steady decline towards the end of the 20th century. Torres, the book’s author, will talk about the dark history of the camps including the human suffering of the camps’ inhabitants, the cause and effect of the camps, and the factors which led to their eventual decline. Torres will also cover the heroic efforts of those who were critics of the camps and fought to improve the lives of migrant workers on the East End.
“We are so grateful to author Mark Torres for helping uncover our history. We now know the names and ages of the children that died in the fire that inspired the community to come together and create a safe place for children in 1950. Thank you First Baptist Church for hosting us. Our series brings the community together, to speak openly about being Black in America, opening hearts and minds to limitless opportunities. We are providing positive and inspirational role models for our children, teens, and adults. These talks help create deep and open conversations around racism, stereotypes, and inequalities. The only way that we are going to come together is to learn more about each other and to spend time with each other,” said Bonnie Michelle Cannon, the executive director of The Center.
Admission is free. Reserve by visiting www.bhccrc.org