St. John’s Employee Leads Black History Discussion
One of the many great programs offered at St. John’s Independent Living Communities is the educational men’s and women’s breakfast socials. These breakfasts occur once a month at St. John’s Meadows and Brickstone by St. John’s and typically feature a guest speaker chosen by residents.
Recently St. John’s Meadows Lead Concierge Lisa Griffin was asked to speak at a breakfast in observance of Juneteenth. Griffin, a St. John’s employee of over 10 years, decided to talk about a topic dear to her heart — beachfront havens for Black families.
Griffin, who spent many summers enjoying family fun at the beach, spoke to over 40 residents about the impact Black Americans had on the Long Island beachfront properties in the 1930s.
“A lot of these families were leaving the city and bought up property on Long Island,” said Griffin. She discussed the legacy left behind by these families — resulting in a close-knit community.
As an aside, Griffin noted the shirt she was wearing which read “There’s Work to be Done.”
“I wear this to remind myself that there is always work to be done — as a woman, work for Jesus, and work in the Black community,” said Griffin.
After her presentation Griffin said she “was nervous for nothing — I talk to these women every day behind the [concierge] desk.”
“They are all very supportive and interested in learning,” she said.
And, the St. John’s Meadows residents were truly supportive. What was supposed to be about 30 women in attendance, turned into over 40 women seated across two rooms — just to listen to Griffin.
Resident Natalie Schwartz said, “It was a pleasure to hear her talk — very interesting.”
Many residents were eager to thank and congratulate Griffin on her informative presentation, which made Griffin’s smile even brighter.