Senator Jeff Klein's Black History Month Celebration

Senator Jeff Klein's Black History Month Celebration

Four-hundred people were in attendance at State Senator Jeff Klein's Black History Celebration held at Villa Barone. After a hearty breakfast the program began with Senator Klein and Dwayne Gathers (President of the Bronx Veterans Mentors) reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The National Anthems were sung by Evangelist Michelle Lindsay, followed by the Invocation by Pastor Jay Goodings of the Fellowship Tabernacle Church of God and Christ.

Above Left - Senator Klein greets some guests.
Above Right - Senator Klein and Mr. Dwayne Gathers during the Pledge of Allegiance.
Below Left - Senator Klein with Pastor Goodings during the Invocation.
Below Right - Councilman Mark Gjonaj was in attendance with the Democratic candidate to replace him in the 80th A.D. special election Ms. Nathalia Fernandez. Also seated at the table next to Councilman Gjonaj is current Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda who is the Democratic candidate ffor the 32nd Senate District special election to replace former State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. who was elected to the City Council.

Senator Klein then introduced Councilman Mark Gjonaj from the 13^th City Council District. Senator Klein also called up current Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda who is the Democratic candidate in the upcoming April 24^th special election to fill the vacant 32^nd State Senate seat left by now Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. Senator Klein also called up Ms. Nathalia Fernandez the Democratic candidate for the vacant 80^th A.D. seat left by now Councilman Mark Gjonaj.

As the program continued Senator Klein called up his Keynote speaker Ms. Bertha Lewis the founder of ACORN. Ms. Lewis said that there are still twenty-five active chapters of ACORN in twenty-five states. The outspoken Ms. Lewis continued by saying 'Your going to enslave my people, and only give us one month for Black History”?

Ms. Lewis went on to say that through 'Power Rising' there is organizing in the Atlanta area. She mentioned the Democratic Party in a way that seemed to sound as though she wanted a third party, adding that black people will soon be the majority in this country. It was a very powerful speech which received a standing ovation when she finished.

Above Left - Ms. Bertha Lewis of President and Founder of the Black Institute was the Keynote speaker.
Above Right - Ms. Lewis poses with Senator Klein, and puts up the famous Bronx X of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
Below Left - Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson also spoke at the event.
Below Right - Could State Senator Luis Sepulveda (if he is elected) become the ninth member of Senator Klein's Independent Democratic Conference?

The seven honorees were, Mr. Michael Barnes, Founder of C.A.L.F. Industries (Courageous Athletic Leaders Forever). Deputy Inspector Benjamin Gurley, Commanding Officer of the 43^rd Precinct. Ms. Stephanie Hill Commnity Organizer and Activist. Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton, Superintendent of the Mount Vernon City School District. Ms. Katherine Hamm Principal of P.S. 107. Mr/ Larry Robinson, Chair Bronx Community Board #2's Youth Services Committee. Ms. Madge Leanna Holsey Shaw, Community Activist and Educational Advocate.