SENATOR KLEIN HOSTS 21ST ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH

African American Community Leaders and Hundreds of Bronxites Gather to Celebrate Black History Month

BRONX, NY – State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) hosted his 21^st Annual Black History breakfast at Villa Barone Manor on Saturday.  Hundreds of guests enjoyed a complimentary breakfast and musical entertainment from the Reverend Nathaniel Tyler Lloyd Legacy Choir of Trinity Baptist Church.

“Today we recognize the valuable contributions that African Americans have made to our community.  These everyday heroes have made immeasurable strides in shaping New York and their steadfast commitment to improving the quality-of-life for our residents is exemplary of true leadership. Throughout our nation’s history, African Americans have distinguished themselves through their extraordinary service and dedication to enhancing the lives of their fellow citizens. I am honored to salute those who have made a significant impact in our communities,” said Senator  Klein.

Minister Kirsten Joy Foy, Northeast Regional Director and Brooklyn Chapter President of the National Action Network delivered the keynote address.  “I'm appreciative and honored to be given the opportunity to celebrate Black history, which is American history, with such a distinguished leader as Senator Jeff Klein. Senator Klein's leadership has not only changed lives, but has, more importantly, saved lives, and our community is the better for it,” said Minister Foy.

Senator Klein highlighted the contributions of outstanding African Americans including: Lloyd’s Carrot Cake owner Betty Campbell Adams; President of Local 37 Teamsters Gregory Floyd; President of the Clason Point Tenant Association Geraldine Hopper; Principal of The Pennington School in Mount Vernon Danielle Davis Marrow; NYCHA Deputy Director of Bronx Property Management Department Derek Powell; and Captain of the 49th Precinct Keith Walton.

“It's truly an honor to be recognized by the Senator during such an important month where so many other inspirational and historical African Americans that have come before us have been recognized.  This is particularly special to me to be honored being the first African American to hold the rank of Commanding Officer of the 49th Precinct,” said Captain Keith Walton, 49^th Precinct.

“It is quite an honor to be recognize by the Senator and his constituents.  I take it as affirmation and confirmation that what we do at Lloyd’s matters,” said Betty Campbell Adams, owner of  Lloyd’s Carrot Cake.

“I’d like to thank Senator Klein, for remembering our old history today.  Most importantly,  the people that came before me, that contributed a central role for African Americans in this United States,” said Geraldine Hopper, president of the Clason Point Tenant Association.

“The Mount Vernon City School district has provided outstanding educational opportunities for me.  It gives me great pleasure to give back to the community that has done so much for me,” said Danielle Davis-Marrow, principal of The Pennington School.

“I would like to thank Senator Klein and his staff for this prestigious award and recognition of my commitment to serving the residents of public housing.   I look forward to continuing to work with the Senator and his staff as we strive for excellence and improving the quality-of-life for the residents of public housing,” said Derek Powell, NYCHA deputy director of Bronx Property Management Department.

“When we pause to acknowledge the accomplishment of African Americans more times than not, the focus is on the civil rights movement.  I also would like to recognize the struggle for working families and a labor leader like A. Philip Randolph, who was barred from becoming president of the union he helped organize,” said Gregory Floyd, president of Local 237.

NY1 News’ Erin Clarke, who emceed the celebration, added, “I am honored to join Senator Klein in celebrating Black History Month and even more proud to recognize several very deserving members of our community who work every day to make The Bronx the great borough that it is.”

Pastor Jay Allen Gooding of The Fellowship Tabernacle Church of God offered the invocation and Reverend Dr. Rabbi Keith Elijah Thompson of the Bronx Miracle Church of God in Christ performed the benediction.