In Celebration Of Black History Month, Serranos Honor Local Leaders

New York, NY – Congressman José E. Serrano and State Senator José M. Serrano hosted a ceremony in celebration of Black History Month. At the ceremony they honored local leaders Sister Alicia Florence Allick-Goudie, East Harlem civic leader; David Gibson, Director, Samaritan Village - Highbridge Branch; Anthony Jordan, Director, St. Benedict the Moor; and Desiree Pilgrim-Hunter, Northwest Bronx civic leader. Each honoree was presented with a State Senate proclamation and a statement which will be placed in the U.S. Congressional Record.

"We spend February thinking about and celebrating the achievements and contributions of African Americans," Congressman Serrano said. "I can think of no better way to celebrate the month than to recognize the leaders in our local African American communities. Just as America is indebted to all African Americans for their contributions, so too our communities are indebted to these local leaders for their work. We recognize Sister Allick-Goudie, Mr. Gibson, Mr. Jordan and Ms. Pilgrim-Hunter because they are shining examples of dedication to service and for their impressive efforts toward building a better community. I am happy to be able to bring recognition to them for their good work.

"These remarkable people are the bedrock of their communities," said Senator Serrano. "They honor the legacy of those who came before, while at the same time developing new and innovative ways to ensure an even brighter future for our children. These are difficult times - both around the world, and right here at home - and we are so blessed to have civic and community leaders brave enough to meet the challenges head on, and inspire their communities to overcome."

Congressman Serrano added: "I feel that all Americans have so much to learn from the lessons taught by the greatest black leaders in our history. Their messages of tolerance, peace, equality and brotherhood appeal to our common sense of good and incite us to do right by our brothers and sisters. I find great strength in the guidance provided by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in these times of trouble. I know that many others do too.

"It is important, however, not to focus only on the civil rights triumphs of the black community. We must also recognize and remember their contributions in literature, science, drama, arts, music, dance, and jurisprudence."