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Councilmember Melissa Mark-Viverito and Senator Jose M. Serrano honored two local leaders from the East Harlem community for Black History Month.  This year’s honorees were Dr. Sean P. Gardner, Jr., Senior Pastor/Chief Executive Officer of East Ward  Missionary Baptist Church and John Ruiz, District Leader of the 68th Assembly District, Retired NYC Firefighter, and Founder of the Fireman Fire Safety School Program.

Bronx, NY--State Senator José M. Serrano and Congressman José E. Serrano today honored four exceptional local community leaders in their annual celebration of Black History Month.The Honorees were Robert T. Johnson, Bronx County District Attorney; Carl E. Heastie, Assemblyman of the 83rd NYS Assembly District and The Bronx County Democratic Party Chair; Karen Washington, President of NYC Community Garden Coalition; and Deirdre Scott, Executive Director of The Bronx Council of the Arts. Each honoree received a Congressional Record and a State Senate Proclamation.

Senator Serrano met with New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) students today to discuss the State’s continued support for this program. HEOP, a partnership between New York State and independent colleges and universities, provides economically and educationally disadvantaged residents academic and supportive assistance for college.There are 56 HEOP programs at independent colleges and universities, with more than 4,6000 HEOP students benefiting from these services. HEOP provides students who would not normally meet the admission criteria for the colleges they attend an opportunity to attend and obtain a higher education.    

Senator Serrano joined TWU Local 100 President John Samuelsen, TWU Local 100 transit workers, and elected officials for a press conference to discuss contract negotiations for 38,000 transit workers, between the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) and TWU Local 100. TWU Local 100’s contract expired on Monday, January 23, and the MTA has been unable to negotiate a fair contract with TWU Local 100. “Every day New Yorkers rely on the New York City subway and bus transportation system to get to where they need to go,” said Senator Serrano. “It's unacceptable that 38,000 transit workers are currently working without any benefits, and I hope that the MTA and TWU Local 100 are able to promptly reach an agreement for a fair contract.”

Senator Serrano today celebrated Three Kings Day with El Museo del Barrio at their 35th annual Three Kings Day parade in the streets of East Harlem. The annual celebration brings together local school groups, families, community organizations, and elected officials from all over New York City.“It is always a pleasure to be a part of this wonderful tradition,” said Senator Serrano. “El Museo del Barrio does a terrific job at ensuring that the parade gets better and better each year. It is important that we continue to pass down this tradition and teach younger generations about our heritage and roots. The camels, live music, dancing, puppets, and parranda make this an enjoyable experience for everyone in the East Harlem community.”