BP Diaz, Bronx Tourism Council & BronxNet Debut 'The Best of The Bronx Summer Concert Series' On Bronxnet Television.

On Sunday, July 12, 2020, the office of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., in collaboration with The Bronx Tourism Council and BronxNet will debut the telecast of "The Best of The Bronx Summer Concert Series."

Originally slated to take place from July through August at “The Bronx Riviera,” due to the gathering restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, BronxNet will air the best performances from The Bronx Summer Concert Series Salsa Fest that have taken place over the years.

“The Bronx has such rich musical history," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. "As the birthplace of so many genres, from doo-wop to hip-hop to salsa, the 'The Bronx Summer Concert Series' has always had a special place in my heart. Orchard Beach’s Salsa Fest beautifully captures the unique flavor that makes The Bronx ‘El Condado de la Salsa,’ and while we would have loved to have hosted our 5th Annual Bronx Summer Concert Series, the safety of our residents takes priority as we continue to work together to not only flatten the curve, but eliminate COVID-19.”

Over the past five years, The Bronx Summer Concert Series has featured a wide-ranging variety of legendary artists - from The Mambo Legends Orchestra to Los Hermanos Moreno, as well as the best local talent and Bronx dance teams.

The virtual "Best of The Bronx Summer Concert Series" will be televised on BronxNet TV (channel 67 on Optimum / channel 33 on Verizon Fios) and streaming on BronxNet.TV every Sunday, from July 12 to August 30, launching with the 2018 Kickoff featuring N’Klabe and Coro.

BronxNet’s lineup includes:

• July 12: Bronx Summer Concert Series 2018 Kickoff - N’Klabe and Coro
• July 19: Bronx Summer Concert Series 2019 - Raulin Rosendo, Raul Acosta, and Oro Solido
• July 26: Bronx Summer Concert Series 2019 - Tipica 73 and Hector Tricoche
• August 2: Bronx Summer Concert Series 2017 - Ismael Miranda and TKA
• August 9: Bronx Summer Concert Series 2018 - Ricardo Jerome & The Fusion Band, The Everything Covered Band, and Fuerza Positiva
• August 16: Bronx Summer Concert Series 2019 - The Mambo Legends Orchestra
• August 23: Bronx Summer Concert Series 2019 - Tony Vega & Bronx Charanga
• August 30: Bronx Summer Concert Series 2016 -  Los Hermanos Moreno and Willy Valentin y Su Orquesta

“I want to thank The Bronx Tourism Council and BronxNet for helping put together these telecasts, showcasing the best performances that have made Orchard Beach a must-see summertime destination spot, not just for the borough but for the entire city of New York,” said Borough President Diaz Jr.

“We look forward to celebrating Bronx Salsa Fest together in the future, but in the spirit of keeping our brand alive, we are also offering some virtual activities in addition to the previous concerts being aired,” said Olga Luz Tirado, Executive Director of The Bronx Tourism Council. "Though, for now, we are keeping a safe distance, I am confident that we will dance together again!”

“BronxNet broadcasts programs that celebrate The Bronx as a cultural capital and nexus of the arts, said BronxNet Executive Director Michael Max Knobbe. “Through our longstanding partnership with the Bronx Borough President and The Bronx Tourism Council we are proud to broadcast the Bronx Summer Concert Series on BronxNet TV.”

BP DIAZ, BX TOURISM COUNCIL & BRONXNET CELEBRATE 'THE BEST OF THE BRONX' IN PLACE OF 'BRONX WEEK'

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., in collaboration with The Bronx Tourism Council and BronxNet, will launch the start “The Best of Bronx Week” broadcast.

Due to restrictions caused by COVID-19, the 11-day celebration of the “Best of The Bronx” has been cancelled for the first time in 47 years. The annual initiative honors the history and culture of the borough, paying tribute to entities and individuals from within government, business, and civic communities through a series of events. Bronx Week culminates each year with a black-tie gala, Bronx Walk of Fame Inductions and the Grand Finale Celebration, which features a festival, concert, and parade down Mosholu Parkway.

Though Bronx Week was originally slated to take place from May 7 through May 17, the Borough President’s Office, along with Bronx Tourism Council and BronxNet, will instead acknowledge the contributions individuals and organizations have made throughout the years through an eight-day multi-platform broadcast of footage from past Bronx Week activities.

Coverage begins May 8, 2020 and will air on BronxNet TV (channel 67 on Optimum / channel 33 on Verizon Fios) and streaming on BronxNet.TV.

"While we are disappointed to have made such a difficult decision, we felt it best to cancel Bronx Week 2020 in order to do our part in flattening the curve and protect our borough from the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. "With that said, I want to thank The Bronx Tourism Council and BronxNet for finding a way where we can still come together as a borough and honor those seniors, veterans, businesses, community leaders, and elected officials who have helped make our borough great. We are saddened to have canceled Bronx Week, but this will not keep us down. We will rebound, stronger than ever, as a borough and look forward to having a bigger celebration in 2021."

"It hurts me that we cannot be together, physically, however, we can continue to still celebrate together, virtually," said Olga Luz Tirado, Executive Director of The Bronx Tourism Council. "We continue to commemorate the best that we are to remind ourselves that we are ‘New York Tough’ and ‘Bronx Strong,’ even during the worst of times."

"In addition to broadcasting vital updates to the public, BronxNet is helping audiences reconnect with arts and culture during this time," said Michael Max Knobbe, Executive Director BronxNet TV. "BronxNet is enormously proud of our longstanding partnership with the Bronx Borough President, The Bronx Tourism Council and The Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, and pleased to broadcast vibrant presentations of dynamic Bronx Week highlights over the years via the BronxNet TV channels, social media and BronxNet.TV."

The Bronx Tourism Council was established in 1991, as a division of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC), creating a cohesive and symbiotic relationship between arts and culture and economic development. The role of the Bronx Tourism Council is to promote the borough’s rich history, its institutions, and cultural diversity on a local, national, and international level.

BronxNet provides local television by the people of The Bronx, for the people of the Bronx, keeping borough residents in touch with the issues, neighborhoods and activities that make The Bronx what it is today. Their channels feature in-house produced shows created by community access producers as well as provide a training ground for local residents in television production, providing hands-on internships and career preparation. High school and college students can prepare for media careers behind and in front of the camera through BronxNet’s Training Program for Future Media Professionals.

BP Diaz, Rep. Serrano and Bronx Groups Form Coalition Against Mott Haven Jail

'Justice for the Bronx' unites stakeholders to block 'unjust' jail In low-income community of color

   Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Rep. Jose Serrano joined Bronx community groups and social justice advocates this week to form “Justice for the Bronx”—a coalition to stop the Mott Haven jail.

Last month, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced his plan to place a new jail in the middle of a diverse, underserved, working class community of color in Mott Haven, Bronx. In response, “Justice for the Bronx” was formed as a unified front to organize against the jail proposal.

"I unequivocally support the closure of Rikers Island. However, this is the wrong site to build a new jail, period,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “The administration must come to the table and engage with the community in a meaningful way as part of a process that better meets the stated goals of jail reform and restorative justice that this city seeks to support. Presenting this site as a fait accompli has the potential to undermine necessary reforms to the criminal justice system.”

“While I fully support the closure of Rikers Island, the site selection process for the new Bronx Borough jail has been fatally flawed from the beginning by the lack of community inclusion in the site selection process. The Mayor’s decision to build a new jail in the middle of a growing working-class neighborhood, and his refusal to take the community’s concerns into account, are deeply disappointing. Once again, the Bronx is being unfairly burdened with facilities that other communities are not asked to house. The South Bronx is already home to too many of these projects and is doing its fair share of housing the City’s prison system through the Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center in Hunts Point and the Horizon Juvenile Detention Center in Mott Haven. There is no reason whatsoever why our working families should bear the burden of another prison. I am proud to join this coalition as a Founding Member to, in unity, urge the De Blasio Administration to stand on the side of the people. The Mott Haven community deserves the opportunity to implement an economic and affordable development plan centered on the needs of its families,” said Congressman Jose E. Serrano.

“Instead of rewarding the people of Mott Haven for their hard work, Mayor de Blasio is punishing them,”said Arline Parks, CEO of local affordable housing provider Diego Beekman Mutual Housing Association. “The Justice for the Bronx coalition is standing up for the people of the Bronx who are afterthoughts to the Mayor and his administration. Together, we will fight this jail -- and win.”

The Independent Commission on New York City Criminal Justice and Incarceration Reform also specifically advised new jails should not be placed “in residential areas”.

There is a public hearing at the Bronx County Courthouse about the plan scheduled for October 3rd.

BP DIAZ, REP. SERRANO & DIEGO BEEKMAN TENANTS RALLY AGAINST PROPOSED JAIL SITE AT CURRENT NYPD TOW POUND

  

Arline Jacobs-Parks, CEO and Vice Chair of the Diego Beekman Mutual Housing Association said “Here at this historic site, steps away from three schools, homeowners, and our 38 building Diego Beekman Housing complex, we are gathered here to tell Mayor de Blasio and the members of the New York City Council that we need real transformational investment.”  She added "We need the Diego Beekman Neighborhood Development Plan. That’s why we are standing together to tell Mayor de Blasio – yes to housing, jobs, fresh food and economic opportunity. No to the jail at this site!” 

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said “Make no mistake: Rikers Island is a stain on the soul of this city. We all agree that it must close. But if a new jail is to be built in The Bronx, our borough’s interests should not be steamrolled in the land use process,” He added “Any new site for a jail in this borough must be thoroughly vetted, and the people of The Bronx and their elected leadership must have a meaningful say in its selection.”

Congressman Jose. E. Serrano said, “I haven’t given up our side of the fight,” adding “Mr. Mayor, I join our borough president in saying to you: rethink this. We don’t want it here. We want Diego Beekman to keep growing, and we want our community to keep growing.”

The site at the corner of East 141st Street and Concord Avenue was the original site of Lincoln Hospital, and then when the new Lincoln Hospital was built the city turned the empty lot into the Bronx Tow Pound. Now the city wants to move the tow pound to an undisclosed location and turn this into a new Bronx Jail when the Rikers Island Prison is closed by the city. 

  The above renderings are what Diego Beekman would like to develop on the site. Affordable housing and shopping such as a supermarket for the community. Diego Beekman manages 100,000 Apartments nationwide. 6,000 are in NYC with 2,300 in the Bronx. 

BP DIAZ, DA CLARK AND SAFE HORIZON PARTNER ON ANTI-STALKING CAMPAIGN

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and Safe Horizon have launched an anti-stalking campaign, which aims to use relevant social media content to enhance stalking victim safety and awareness of available resources for domestic violence victims.

The social media campaign, supported by federal funds under the Grants to Encourage Arrest and Enforcement of Protection Orders, seeks to educate the public on the early warning signs of stalking and where to get help.  The campaign will take an innovative approach towards disseminating the information through the use of social media platforms.

"Stalking and cyber-stalking are very serious issues, and this campaign is designed to use popular internet culture to find those who need help distancing themselves from a stalker and potential abuser and to connect them to resources on domestic violence, stalking and related issues. I am proud to partner with Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark's office and Safe Horizon on this innovative initiative to fight abusive behavior," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. 

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark said, “Last year, we prosecuted 278 cases with stalking-related charges. This crime makes people feel defenseless, and cyber-stalking magnifies victims’ fear and vulnerability. This is why we have extended our outreach through social media with this essential campaign that primarily targets the younger people in our borough. I’m thankful to Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and to Safe Horizon for collaborating in our efforts to educate the public and eradicate this hi-tech form of domestic abuse.”

Ariel Zwang, Safe Horizon CEO said, “Stalking is a crime that can get more serious over time, and may leave a victim feeling paralyzed or afraid to perform their normal, everyday routine. With the rise of social media and GPS apps, abusers have learned to utilize these platforms to further intimidate their victim in the form of cyber-stalking. But social media can also be a powerful tool to connect victims to services. That's why we are proud to partner with the New York City Police Department, New York City Department of Probation and the offices of the Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark's and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. on this anti-stalking social media campaign to connect victims to resources and services that can keep them safe online and in real life.”

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, stalking is a public health concern known to affect millions of people in the United States. Stalking not only creates immediate emotional and physical damage, and impairs mental health; it also results in long-term outcomes such as mental disability, social isolation, and sometimes death. Stalking has become a national epidemic. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence(NCADV) found that 81 percent of women who were stalked by a current or former husband or cohabitating partner were also physically assaulted by that partner, and that 31 percent of women were also sexually assaulted.

Additionally, an estimated 6.5 million men have experienced stalking victimization during their lifetimes. Nationally, 7.5 million people file stalking police reports every year (NADW). Furthermore, approximately one in four stalking victims reported some form of cyberstalking such as e-mail (83 percent) or instant messaging (35 percent) (BJS). These statistics demonstrate the demand for enhanced public safety and policy reformation that address stalking.

This online campaign provides an opportunity to go beyond the confines of printed material and leverage social media. The campaign allows service providers to target specific groups while also reducing exposure to harm, as an abuser may become violent if they notice printed material about domestic violence in a victim’s possession. In addition, a data-driven, more personalized approach to communications can help work through stigma to better reach and serve populations at-risk.

BP DIAZ, MTA & BOEDC TO CO-HOST BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is partnering with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation to help Bronx businesses do more business with the transit authority.

The MTA and the BOEDC, which serves as the borough president’s economic development arm, will co-host a business development seminar titled “Learn How to do Business with the MTA,” on Tuesday, March 8, 2016. The event will take place at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 Grand Concourse, and will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event will provide an opportunity for certified minority, women-owned, disadvantaged or small business enterprises to learn about contracting and procurement opportunities available with the MTA.

“From construction to concessions and everything in between, there is tremendous opportunity for MWBE’s, small businesses and others to do business with the MTA. Our four forthcoming Metro North stations in the East Bronx will offer tremendous contracting opportunities close to home, and the maintenance of such an enormous transit system requires constant procurement. I want Bronxites to be able to take advantage of these opportunities, and I hope our business community will take advantage of this important event,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

"We are delighted to work with Borough President Diaz and the BOEDC to help increase opportunities for all businesses that could be interested in doing work that will further our Capital Program," said MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas F. Prendergast. "Not only is it the right thing to do, but to the extent we can increase involvement of new firms, over the long term, we expect greater competition will help the MTA's bottom line."

“We have worked tirelessly to bring new projects, a new vision and thousands of new jobs to The Bronx in the last six years.  By providing our Bronx businesses with new mentoring, training and access opportunities with the state, we will add to the level of prosperity we are currently experiencing in our borough,” said Marlene Cintron, President of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.

Businesses interested in participating in this seminar should RSVP to George Llanos at gllanos@mtahq.org. The complete flyer for the event can be downloaded at https://flic.kr/p/ECdgc5.

BP DIAZ, CM'S TORRES & GIBSON LAUNCH BRONX PUBLIC HOUSING TASK FORCE

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., City Council Member Ritchie Torres and City Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson today announced the formation of the Bronx Public Housing Authority Task Force.

The new task force will work with New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) tenants, law enforcement agencies, elected officials, community organizations and others to focus on solutions to crime and public safety issues that affect the borough’s NYCHA developments. The task force will officially launch in January 2016.

“Our NYCHA developments are home to some of our most vulnerable populations, and they deserve to live in a safe space free from the fear of crime. Recent reports have put the issue of crime and gang activity in NYCHA housing into clear focus, and through this new task force we will be able to create and implement a clear vision for a safer NYCHA in our borough, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies and the community-at-large. I thank Council Members Torres and Gibson for their commitment to this critical initiative, and I am hopeful that the ideas we put forward for The Bronx could prove useful for all five boroughs,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

"Gang violence is a serious and disturbing problem that we must tackle by addressing its root social and economic factors that lead to it. This taskforce will look at how we can reduce gang violence and ensure young men of color can lead productive lives that are not defined by guns. I look forward to working with my colleagues to confront the challenges and develop solutions that will make our borough and City safer," said Council Member Ritchie Torres, Chair of the Council's Public Housing Committee.

“I am proud to join Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Chair of the Committee on Public Housing, Bronx Council Member Ritchie Torres, as we embark on a task force to address the growing needs of Bronx NYCHA residents. Everyone deserves a safe and secure community in which to live. Together, this task force will address the public safety and quality of life issues that have plagued the residents of these developments for far too long. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this project and continuing our work to create a better and brighter Bronx for all,” said Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson, Chair of the Committee on Public Safety.

BP DIAZ, CM'S TORRES & GIBSON LAUNCH BRONX PUBLIC HOUSING TASK FORCE

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., City Council Member Ritchie Torres and City Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson today announced the formation of the Bronx Public Housing Authority Task Force.

The new task force will work with New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) tenants, law enforcement agencies, elected officials, community organizations and others to focus on solutions to crime and public safety issues that affect the borough’s NYCHA developments. The task force will officially launch in January 2016.

“Our NYCHA developments are home to some of our most vulnerable populations, and they deserve to live in a safe space free from the fear of crime. Recent reports have put the issue of crime and gang activity in NYCHA housing into clear focus, and through this new task force we will be able to create and implement a clear vision for a safer NYCHA in our borough, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies and the community-at-large. I thank Council Members Torres and Gibson for their commitment to this critical initiative, and I am hopeful that the ideas we put forward for The Bronx could prove useful for all five boroughs,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

"Gang violence is a serious and disturbing problem that we must tackle by addressing its root social and economic factors that lead to it. This taskforce will look at how we can reduce gang violence and ensure young men of color can lead productive lives that are not defined by guns. I look forward to working with my colleagues to confront the challenges and develop solutions that will make our borough and City safer," said Council Member Ritchie Torres, Chair of the Council's Public Housing Committee.

“I am proud to join Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Chair of the Committee on Public Housing, Bronx Council Member Ritchie Torres, as we embark on a task force to address the growing needs of Bronx NYCHA residents. Everyone deserves a safe and secure community in which to live. Together, this task force will address the public safety and quality of life issues that have plagued the residents of these developments for far too long. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this project and continuing our work to create a better and brighter Bronx for all,” said Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson, Chair of the Committee on Public Safety.

BP DIAZ, NY YANKEES & AT&T HOST FIFTH ANNUAL ‘BOROUGH PRESIDENT’S CUP’

Above - Yes that is Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. on the mound at Yankee Stadium, and no he was not pitching for the Yankees as BP Diaz showed off his baseball talent at first base in the recent Bronx Democratic County Barbecue and Baseball game. His team scored 9 runs in the top of the first inning and went on to beat a tema which had the new Bronx Democratic County leader Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, and the former Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman (and now Assembly Speaker) Carl Heastie.

Below - BP Diaz throws out the first pitch of the game for the BP's Little League Championship game. 

Above - The Gram Slam All Stars enter the field from the dugout area where some of their favorite baseball players sit while they wait to bat.

Below - The entire team including reserves and coaches for Grand Slam lines up on the field at Yankee Stadium.

The Kingsbridge Knights wait their turn to enter the field at Yankee Stadium as some of their favorite baseball players do.

Below - The entire team including reserves and coaches for the Kingsbridge Knights line up on the field at Yankee Stadium.

Above - The Kingsbridge Knights huddle on the infield before the gams.

Below - The Kingsbridge Knights quickly got out to a 1 - 0 lead, and won the game 4 - 2.

BP DIAZ, NEW YORK YANKEES & AT&T HOST FOURTH ANNUAL 'BOROUGH PRESIDENT'S CUP'

Tuesday August 26th Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., the New York Yankees and AT&T co-hosted the fourth annual “Borough President’s Cup” Little League Championship. The game featured a match-up between the 2013 champions Grand Slam Little League and the Bronx Bombers, who competed for this year’s title in a game at Yankee Stadium.

The Bronx Bombers took the championship with a 14-2 victory over Grand Slam Little League.

To compete for the “Borough President’s Cup,” players for each Little League had to meet a set of requirements unrelated to their performance on the field. Those included a B-average in school, 90 percent or greater school attendance and a demonstrated commitment to community service. This year, some of the teams participated in a cleanup of Claremont Park as part of their community service, in partnership with a borough non-profit organization, The Bronx is Blooming.

“For the fourth straight year, we’ve given Bronx Little Leaguers a chance to walk in the footprints of legends like Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, and in the shadows of the all-time greats like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. I would like to thank AT&T and the New York Yankees for once again helping my office make this a wonderful event, and for giving these young men a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT HOLDS "BRONX FATHERS TAKING ACTION"CONFERENCE

 

  On Thursday, March 29, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. held the first ever “Bronx Fathers Taking Action” conference, an open group discussion led by Borough President Diaz with psychologists, educators and social workers as well as fathers of all ages to emphasis the importance of a father’s involvement in their children’s life to help empower their growth and education. As you will see in the pictures below the rotunda of the Bronx County Building was packed, and there was a lively exchange that went on.

  At the conference were service providers to help the fathers that included The United Federation of Teachers, Legal Services of the Bronx, The Children's Aid Society, Fathers 4 Progress, Partnership with Children, The Bronx Public Library, The Bronx Health Link, BronxWorks, Center for Employment Opportunities, New York City Children Services, The NYC Human Resources Administration, The NYC Department of Education, and the College Board. 

  Ms. Monica Major (BP Diaz's Director of Education & Youth  Services) opened the conference with remarks from Mr. Wilfredo Pagan (Bronx Representative for the Panel on Education for Policy), and then the Interactive Panel Discussion led by BP Diaz took place. Panel members included Dr. Jeff Gordero (Psychologist), Mr. David Banks (President of the Eagle Academy Foundation), Mr. Jessie Mojica (Executive Director the Office of Parent Engagement at the NYCDOE), Mr. Nelson Mar, Esq. (of Bronx Legal Services), Mr. Roger ball, MSW/MA (social worker), and Mr. Raymond Singleton (Assistant Deputy Commissioner, NYC HRA/ Office of Child Support Enforcement). 

  The idea of this conference was to get fathers more involved in their children's education as BP Diaz said that almost half of all minority children under 17 have no father. He added "This is not for me, but the entire community, the Bronx". I asked BP Diaz what he thought of the 33 schools being closed by the mayor and chancellor with 10 of the 33 in the Bronx. Diaz answered that "closing down a school is not the solution", Adding that the DOE has violated proper procedures, and that children are not given the services or resources that they need. 

  To enlarge the picture, just click on it.

Ms. Monica Major speaks to the crowd, with BP Diaz seated in his chair waiting to hear from the Bronx fathers that came. In the background are some of the panelist.

 

You can see the packed audience with standing room only..

Here you see BP Diaz and the panel taking questions from some of the fathers gathered.

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Women's History Month Celebration 2012

  It was the First Lady of the Bronx who took center stage at Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz's Women's History Month celebration Thursday. New York 1 reporter Roma Torre was the Mistress of Ceremony, and it was First Lady Hilds Diaz that greeted everyone. Ms. Diaz is employed by the Port Authority, called BP Diaz "Still Her Honey", and spoke of her mother who told her to "Get a good education, and marry a man who can do his own laundry". 
  BP Ruben Diaz Jr. then spoke, saying he could not be doing the things at borough hall without the women on his staff. He then thanked Deputy Borough President Aurilia Greene, Deputy Chief of Staff Carmela Price, Marlene Cintron of BOEDC, and Monica Major his Director of Education. Diaz then said that "As women go men go, and as women and men go so does society".
  Ruben Diaz Jr. is the 13th Bronx Borough President, and the youngest person elected to the position. BP Diaz proudly says that he and his wife Hilda were high school sweethearts, and have been together for over 20 years.
  The Honorees were Ms. Beatrice Castiglia-Castillo the founder of the Regional Aid for Interim Needs or better known as R.A.I.N. 95 year old Ms Castiglia-Castillo said that in 1957 she made a promise to god if she survived a tragic event. In 1964 she founded R.A.I.N. while working at a local hospital to provide home care services. She also joked about how the name came about as when asked in the beginning when asked what her company name was, she said that she looked outside at the rain coming down, giving it that name.
  Deputy Inspector Nilda Hofmann was the second honoree, and she said that she was born and raised in the Bronx, going to Bronx public schools. She spoke of how she rose through the ranks of the Police Department of become only one of five women precinct Commanders.
  The third honoree was Ms. Belkis Lora CEO/President of the Grand Slam Foundation. She said that her organization serves 300 children, and that she id very proud of her business. BP Diaz then spoke of the Little League Bronx championship game that was played last year at Yankee Stadium, saying that it was an idea that came from Ms. Lora.
  Ms. Roma Torre then gave the closing remarks.

Bronx Borough President is seated between his wife Hilda on the right, and Deputy BP Greene on the left

First Lady Hilda Diaz addressing the audience

From left to right is Deputy Inspector Nilda Hofmann, Ms. Betrice Castiglia-Castillo, BP Diaz, First Lady Hilda Diaz, Roma Torre of NY1, and Ms. Belkis Lora.

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