Serranos Celebrate Black History Month

CAPTION: (top, left to right) Rev. Michael Thomas, Deputy Bronx Borough President Aurelia Greene, City Councilmember Vanessa Gibson, NYS Senator José M. Serrano, Congressman José E. Serrano, Rev. Frederick Crawford, District Leader Cynthia Cox , NYS Assembly member Michael Blake, Gloria Davis, (bottom row, left to right) Ms. Claudette Colvin, Ms. Helen Foreman-Hines, Ms. Etta Ritter. (02/22/2016)

“Black History Month serves as an opportunity to reflect on and honor the contributions that African-Americans have made to our country. It is during this month we celebrate the important contributions African-Americans have made in the arts, education, literature, music science, technology and civil rights.  I am honored to represent a district in a state that has been the birthplace of many of our nation’s greatest Black leaders and the location of numerous key historical events.

“This is why every year, I hold an event to recognize the achievements of several African-American leaders who are from the Bronx and New York City. This year, I had the great honor of recognizing Reverend Frederick Crawford, Claudette Clovin, Etta Ritter, and my dear friend and colleague, the Honorable Congressman Charles B. Rangel. Each of these individuals has tirelessly fought to ensure that justice and civil rights are upheld for everyone within our community and the rest of the nation. I honored their leadership, commitment to social justice, and dedication to public service. Our country is a better place because of their contributions to government, civil rights, and community service.  Their accomplishments are an inspiration to us all, and we thank them for their service.

“As we commemorate the richness of our nation’s history through Black History Month, let us also remember the sacrifices that were made during the Civil Rights movement.  Our nation has made great strides to become a more just and equal society since then, and African-Americans’ achievements are a testament to how our country has evolved for the better, but there is still more work to be done. Let us follow our greatest Black leaders’ examples of courage, persistence, and humility to end ongoing oppression, racism, and injustice in our communities. May we also follow their example by practicing the tenets of tolerance, peace, equality and brotherhood each and every day of the year.”
“During this month’s black history celebration, it was my privilege to honor some truly extraordinary individuals for their contributions to society. These remarkable citizens are the bedrock of our community and true trailblazers. Their contributions are felt on a daily basis and should not be limited to being celebrated and acknowledged just once a year. Many thanks to all of our amazing honorees for their dedication to service and unwavering commitment to bettering the world around them.”