A local Vietnam veteran and longtime painter is showing his work on the walls of Clason's Point Library in Soundview in honor of Black History Month

Gerald Jones grew up in Brooklyn, but has lived in the Bronx for 12 years and says he wanted to contribute to the art and culture in his neighborhood.

Jones says he took his culture for granted until the people he met while serving two tours in the Vietnam War made him realize how precious culture is and how proud he should be.

He says he has been a painter for as long as he can remember and began his personal journey connecting to his African roots after coming home from war. 

The oil painting exhibit will be on display for all of February.

Clason's Point Library also has a science-fiction book section written by black authors to honor Black History Month.