Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, on Wednesday, Feb. 18, hosted her annual Black History Month celebration at Eastwood Manor in the Bronx, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Black History Month in the United States under the theme, “100 Years of Black Excellence: Standing in Legacy and Longevity.”
Gibson, whose father hailed from Trinidad and Tobago, said the event honored the “profound contributions, resilience, and enduring legacy of African Americans whose leadership continues to shape the Bronx, New York City, and the world.”
She said the program featured live musical performances, community reflections, and a keynote address from Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.
“As we mark 100 years of celebrating Black History in this country, we are reminded that Black excellence did not begin a century ago, and it certainly does not end here,” Gibson said. “Black history is American history. It is the story of perseverance in the face of injustice, innovation in the face of exclusion, and leadership rooted in faith, family, and community.
“As we mark 100 years of celebrating Black History in this country, we are reminded that Black excellence did not begin a century ago, and it certainly does not end here,” Gibson said. “Black history is American history. It is the story of perseverance in the face of injustice, innovation in the face of exclusion, and leadership rooted in faith, family, and community.
“Tonight, we celebrate the pioneers and trailblazers whose shoulders we proudly stand on and recommit ourselves to building a borough where opportunity, equity, and dignity are not aspirations, but a reality for every Bronx resident,” she added.
Honorees for this year’s celebration include Dwayne Johnson of Johnson’s BBQ; Lorraine Rohlsen-Alexander of Tennis Lady Co-op City; Jacqueline Bergland, choir director at Celia Cruz High School; Dr. Charles J. Gibbs, president of Metropolitan College of NY; Youth Honoree and Cardinal Hayes High School Student Kiwana Yates, and Dr. Johnnie Goff, founder and president of J.A.D.E. Multi Family Circle Center, receiving the Aurelia Greene award.
Gibson said each honoree was recognized for their “unwavering commitment to education, mentorship, and community empowerment, embodying the spirit of excellence and service that defines our borough.”
The borough president gave special thanks to event sponsors: Ponce Bank, Allied Government Affairs, BronxCare Health Systems, and ElderPlan Homefirst.
