Senator Diane J. Savino Hosts 3rd Annual Black History Month Celebration

(STATEN ISLAND) — State Senator Diane J. Savino hosted, Friday, April 30th, the 3rd Annual Black History Month Celebration, “Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things”, originally scheduled for February, but postponed due to weather conditions.  The event, co-sponsored by the College of Staten Island and Con Edison, featured keynote speaker NYC Council member Debi Rose, who is the first African American elected official in Staten Island. 
 
Councilmember Rose screened a video her office produced, depicting both historical and everyday heroes. She was also presented with a collage by local high school student, Aliza Fatima, celebrating the Ms. Rose’s historical election. 
 
Attendees were also treated to a rousing performance by local blues band, Silas Knight & the Brooklyn Horns, who did a special set detailing the development of traditional blues into modern music. Other performances included Christina Dixon’s skit about Harriet Tubman’s life, Curtis High School Ladies of African Delight, and spoken word by Tamia Buckner and the Reparation Poets.
 
“We chose the theme, ‘Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things’ because every great individual that has ever changed history, has had the same doubts and problems that we all have.  But, it’s that dedication and will, which propels these everyday heroes, like the ones we are honoring tonight, to rise above their own  challenges and make this world a better place,” said Senator Savino. 
 
Honored at the event were:
Michael Allamby, CSI Sophomore
Community Student leadership Award
 
Vincent Giles, Founder of "There to Care"
Unsung Heroes Award
 
Eric Hines, Founder of "There to Care"
Unsung Heroes Award

Sonya Mason, Owner of "Sonya's Beauty Salon"
Community Business Leadership Award
 
Serena Brothers Mohamed, Founder of "Young, Talented and Gifted"
Elizabeth Stanton Community Leadership Award

To see more pictures of the event please click:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/senatorsavino/sets/72157623860904121/