Serranos Honor Exemplary African-American Leaders During their Annual Black History Month Celebration

José M. Serrano

February 23, 2015

(Bronx, NY)- Senator Serrano and his father, Congressman José E. Serrano, honored four exceptional local community leaders in their annual celebration of Black History Month at The Bronx Museum of the Arts. The honorees were  Mary E. Coleman,Vice President for Administration and Finance, Stella and Charles Guttman Community College; Margarette Purvis, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Food Bank for New York City/Food for Survival; David Shuffler, Executive Director, Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice; and Kenneth J. Knuckles, President and Chief Executive Officer, Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone. Each honoree was presented with a New York Senate proclamation and a Congressional Record Statement. 

"During Black History Month, we pause and reflect on all of the great contributions the African American community has made for society. I am so proud to acknowledge these remarkable leaders who have worked tirelessly to make their communities a better place for future generations to come. Although Black History Month is celebrated in February, leaders like the ones honored today are making contributions every day in their respective fields. It is important that we continue to celebrate the many achievements of the African American community," said Senator Serrano.