On November 15, the African American Heritage Club organized and hosted its annual Rock the Shelter Benefit Concert under the direction of Ms. Cynthia Quinlan. This year, all types of performances were present at the concert, and throughout the night, several speakers shared stories of homelessness and the unfortunate results it can bring. Mike Giuffrida of the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless was kind enough to visit and inform the audience of the vast number of homeless people on Long Island, specifically in Suffolk County, and how there are so many misconceptions surrounding the homeless. He explained that most homeless people are simply down on their luck and have not gotten where they are because of poor actions or lack of education, as many assume.

Performances came from Whitman’s talented Step Team, Danerah Pierre, Elizabeth Plaisir and Emmanuella St. Charles, Michele Brunet, Abandoned in Fire, Warehouse, Stephanie Bardavid and Tony James and the Psychodelics. All of the acts were impressive and outstanding. Junior Anthony Morace, guitarist and vocalist for Tony James and the Psychodelics, remarked that performing at the event “was great; everyone had a great time.”

Perhaps the most memorable performance of the night came from a young woman who at one point was homeless. She came to the stage and performed for the first time in many years. Pushing aside any nervousness she may have had, she performed bravely and beautifully.

The main goal of the benefit was to collect clothing, canned goods, and toiletries to donate to the homeless. The crowd did not disappoint. It was amazing to witness the South Huntington community coming together to help such an important, relevant cause.