(MINEOLA, N.Y.) – Nassau County Legislature Alternate Deputy Minority Leader Siela A. Bynoe (D – Westbury) led members of the Minority Caucus in celebrating Westbury resident Lynette Carr-Hicks, founder and director of the renowned Uniondale High School Rhythm of the Knight show choir, as the Legislature’s Black History Month honoree on Monday, Feb. 26.
A 2018 inductee into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame, Ms. Carr-Hicks has worked with entertainment luminaries including Lalah Hathaway, Roy Hargrove, Antonio Hart, Phil Collins and Al Jarreau; performed in Broadway and Off-Broadway productions and has launched numerous award-winning community gospel choirs.
After beginning her teaching career at Westbury High School in 2000, Ms. Carr-Hicks called upon her experience to launch their high school show choir. After moving on to teach at Uniondale High School in 2007, she launched the “Rhythm of the Knight” three years later – setting the foundation for an internationally acclaimed performing arts powerhouse.
Since its inception, the Rhythm of the Knight choir has been featured at Carnegie Hall and on NBC’s “Today”; CNN, the nationally syndicated “Steve Harvey Show,” an array of tri-state area television morning shows and in the pages of The New York Times, Newsday and more; the Choir has wowed audiences at numerous Legislative inaugural ceremonies and last year’s Juneteenth celebration spearheaded by Alternate Deputy Minority Leader Bynoe’s office.
Consistent with Black History Month 2024’s celebration of African Americans and the Arts, Alternate Deputy Minority Leader Bynoe and the Minority Caucus presented Ms. Carr-Hicks with a special plaque depicting her alongside figures that inspired her to take on the assignment of being a role model to young people and cultivating their talents - legendary performers including Lalah Hathaway, Michael Jackson, Kirk Franklin and others. Described as “a gem to many” in both the educational and faith-based communities she serves, Ms. Carr-Hicks is a proud and active member of the First Baptist Church of Westbury who imbues a sense of purpose in the youth she works with.
“I say you stand amongst giants because you indeed are a giant,” Alternate Deputy Minority Leader Bynoe said. “Your perseverance is indeed a gift that God has given you because you have been through your own challenges in this last year, and I have witnessed it with my own eyes that God has more work for you do to. Keep striving and keep doing what you’re doing – it is never, ever lost on me at all what you do for our community.”
PHOTO CAPTION (TOP PHOTO) – From right, Alternate Deputy Minority Leader Bynoe, right, pictured with honoree Lynette Carr-Hicks, her daughter, Joynell Carr, and Nassau County Legislator and Uniondale High School ’80 graduate Debra Mulé, on Monday, Feb. 26.
PHOTO CAPTION (BOTTOM PHOTO) – The full Nassau County Legislature, pictured with Black History Month 2024 honoree Lynette Carr-Hicks.
PHOTO CREDIT – Photos by Peter M. Budraitis