BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ HOSTS ANNUAL WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosted his annual Women’s History Month Celebration at Manhattan College’s Kelly Commons Building Today.

 “We cannot minimize the important contributions women have made to our borough and our city, and I was proud to honor so many deserving women at this wonderful annual event,” said Borough President Diaz.

 This year’s honorees included Bertha Lewis, Founder and President of The Black Institute; Hon. Annabel Palma, New York City Council Member and Milagros Baez O’Toole, Board Chair of the Acacia Network. Juliet Papa of 1010 Wins Radio/CBS served as the emcee for the program.

 Each Honoree told a little about themselves. Ms. Bertha Lewis spoke of her activism, of not standing down to anyone, and wondering where the years have gone. Councilwoman Annabel Palma spoke of her troubled youth, and how she was able to overcome her problems by education and strength. Ms. Milagros Baez O'Toole spoke of her involvement, and how her network had grown under her guidance and the help of others.

Above - Councilwoman Palma and Emcee Juliet Papa share a few thoughts.

Below - Former Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj now Bronx liaison to Governor Andrew Cuomo chats with a few of BP Diaz's staffers.

Above - BP Diaz gets a few words with honoree Bertha Lewis before the event.

Below - BP Diaz poses with the emcee of the event Juliet Papa.

Above - Ms. Ano Occhino a student at Manhattan College sings the National Anthem.

Below - The Borough President's table with the honorees, Manhattan College President Brennan O'Donnell, and BP Diaz during the National Anthem.

L - R, Honoree Ms. Bertha Lewis, Honoree Councilwoman Annabel Palma, Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr., Emcee Ms. Juliet Papa, and Honoree Ms. Milagros Baez O'Toole.