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Councilmember Vanessa Gibson was a Guest Speaker
(East Elmhurst, NY) State Senator Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) and the Corona-East Elmhurst NAACP branch hosted Thursday night the African-American History and Heritage celebration at the Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center in Corona, where they honored the achievements of several community leaders and activists.
The festivities included the reading of a poem written by Rawlanda Hinds, a student at the World Journalism Preparatory School, and performances by the Dena’s School of the Arts, the Kehinde O’Uhuru and the Djembe Orchestra, and Jazz Unlimited.
“African-American history is filled with people whose life stories inspire us. African-Americans have made countless contributions to our communities, to our State and to our Nation,” Senator Peralta said at the celebration. “Let today and everyday be a reminder of our shared fight for greater social and economic justice for all. I want to congratulate all the honorees for their outstanding and tireless work to help others.”
Senator Peralta and the NAACP honored the work and contributions of four community leaders.Andrew Jackson, Executive Director of the Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center received the Public Service Award. Mr. Jackson was also nominated by Senator Peralta to the New York State Veterans’ Hall of Fame. Larinda Hooks received the Civic Leadership Award;James Galloway was honored with the Community Activist Awards; and Wayne Edwards was the recipient of the Good Spirit Award.
Public Advocate Letitia James, the first African-American woman to hold citywide office, was the Keynote Speaker and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Councilmember Vanessa Gibson, who represents Morrisania and other parts of the Bronx, was the Guest Speaker.
Public Advocate Letitia James noted, “Black history is American history. As we celebrate the achievements and progress we have made as a City and a nation, we must strengthen our resolve to fighting inequality wherever it still exists. I want to thank Senator Peralta and the NAACP for bringing us together for this celebration of unity and diversity.”
“African American History Month is an important opportunity to reflect on our past and consider our legacy as individuals and as a community. We are a living history, standing on the broad shoulders of those who came before us, and despite the challenges in our path the African American community has proved that it will persevere. I thank Senator Jose Peralta for hosting this event and am pleased to join him in celebration of the African American people,” said Councilmember Vanessa L. Gibson.
Andrew Jackson, Public Service Award recipient and Inductee to the NYS Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame, said, “I am humbled to be inducted into the NYS Veterans’ Hall of Fame. My tour with the U.S. Air Force was a major step of growth and maturity for me. It taught me skills that have enriched my life, taught me discipline and to challenge myself. I have used these lessons in every phase of my life and they have stayed with me and all I have accomplished generated from those lessons. I accept this induction with great pride and thank Senator Peralta for this esteemed honor.”
“As you all know, I actually enjoy doing things in our community that benefits and helps people. My latest venture is to provide a ‘free’ Broadway show to families, in our community who are residing in homeless entities. Our community is fortunate to have State Senator Jose Peralta to represent us. Again, thank you (for the award),” said James Jim Galloway, Community Activist Award honoree.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank New York State Senator Jose Peralta for this community service award. To be considered for this award is a great honor and a privilege, so thank you Senator Peralta,” said Wayne Edwards, recipient of the Good Spirit Award.
Larinda Hooks, Civic Leadership Award recipient, said, “Booker T. Washington wrote ‘Success is to be measured by the position that one has reached in life, as by the obstacles which has overcome while trying succeed.’ So for me to be honored by Senator Jose Peralta during this month of Black History is an honor because he has seen my success in this community. I am forever thankful. It is a great privilege to be honored by my Senator.”