Senator Serrano Sponsors Senate Resolution in Honor of Former Assembly Member Aurelia Greene
May 24, 2021
(Albany, NY) – Today Senator José M. Serrano and his New York State Senate colleagues passed a Senate Resolution (J854) honoring the life and accomplishments of the late former Assembly Member Aurelia Greene. The Resolution recognized her more than four decades of public service and her dedication and devotion to the Bronx.
“It’s an honor to have the opportunity to recognize Mrs. Aurelia Greene, a trailblazer who was steadfastly committed to serving her community and prioritizing what was best for the people of the Bronx,” said Senator Serrano. “She will always be remembered as a compassionate and dedicated public official and her legacy will live on in all of those who were inspired by her achievements.”
Born in the Bronx, Aurelia Greene entered politics when she served as the Democratic District Leader for the 76th Assembly District. In 1982, she was first elected to the New York State Assembly to represent the 77th District, which includes the communities of Highbridge, Claremont, East/West Concourse and Morris Heights.
Assembly Member Greene led a trailblazing career in the State Legislature giving lasting voice to the underrepresented, and sponsoring legislation to strengthen affordable housing, healthcare, education, senior and youth services and economic development.
She was a founding member of the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, Inc., as well as The Women’s Caucus. She went on to become the first woman to chair the Banking Committee and, in 2006, served as the first African American Speaker Pro Tempore of the New York State Assembly.
After serving in the State Assembly for 27 years, Mrs. Greene assumed the role of Deputy Bronx Borough President in 2009 until her retirement from public service in 2017.
Mrs. Greene passed away on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at the age of 86, and was the proud mother of two children, Rhonda and Russell, grandmother of five and great grandmother of one. She was married to the late Reverend Jerome A. Greene, a prominent minister, administrator, community activist and educator in the Bronx.
View video of Senator Serrano presenting the Senate Resolution here.
