Press Release

Congressman José E. Serrano and State Senator José M. Serrano today honored outstanding local leaders in their annual celebration of Black History Month.
The honorees were Vanessa L. Gibson, New York State Assemblywoman for the 77th District; Leroy "Archie" Archible, Community Activist and KoreanWar Veteran; Dorothy DeSuzia, Former President and Board Member of the Concourse Village Apartments; and Demetrius McCord, Deputy Executive Director of the Bronx Community Pride Center. Each honoree received a Congressional Record Statement and a New York State Senate Proclamation.

The event also featured a performance by Harlem African Burial Ground Task Force Member Christine Campbell, entitled "Tribute to Our Ancestors." The performance honored the Harlem African Burial Ground, which residents and community leaders fear might be lost or defiled due to ongoing work expanding the Willis Avenue bridge and a plan, to begin in 2015, to entirely rebuild the bus depot at that location.

"I relish the chance to recognize these fantastic Bronx leaders," said Congressman Serrano. "As we celebrate the contributions of black Americans to our nation and culture this month, it was fitting that we pay tribute to the contributions of local leaders doing their part to uplift the community. Our small tribute to their work is a token of what our community owes them for all that they have done. Our nation was built not just by the national leaders you read about in books but also by the people who diligently built local communities and helped those in need. We have fine examples of these people here with us today."

"As we experience difficult times, both around the world and right here in our own neighborhoods, it is an honor to acknowledge these outstanding civic leaders, who inspire our communities to meet challenges head on and to thrive in the face of adversity," said Senator Serrano. "The contributions made by Assemblywoman Gibson, Mr. Archible, Ms. DeSuzia, and Mr. McCord, should be celebrated, not just once a year, but serve as a daily example of dedication to service and to building stronger neighborhoods, and a stronger New York."