This “African-American Abrazo” by Team Diaz was a full house as usual for what is called the biggest Black History Event in the Bronx was celebrated last night. State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr., Assembly Members Michael Blake, Luis Sepulveda and Marcos Crespo, were joined by Public Advocate Letitia James, Bronx DA Robert Johnson, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., State Senate Democratic Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (one of the honorees), State Senator Jose Marcos Serrano, city council members Vanessa Gibson and Andy King, Assemblywoman Latoya Joiner, and Deputy Bronx Borough President Aurea Greene.
The four members of Team Diaz 2015 each chose their own person to honor. State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. chose Senate Democratic Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assemblyman Michael Blake chose Mr. Abraham Jones, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo chose Rev. Dimas Salaberrios, and Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda Chose Ms. Neva Shillingford-King.
Both the U.S. National Anthem (Sung by Ms. Marie-Claire Giraud), and the Negro National Anthem (sung by Ms. Monica Soyemi) were played. At the end was a wonderful performance by Ms.Melanie Hill Gospel Violinist. The photos below will tell the story of the "African American Abrazo".
Team Diaz member Assemblyman Michael Blake was the Master of Ceremonies for the night.
Above - The U.S. National Anthem is sung by Ms. Marie-Claire Giraud.
Below - The Negro National Anthem was sung by Ms. Monica Spyemi..
Above - State Senate Democratic Conference Leader Andres Stewart-Cousins was the honoree of State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr.
Below - Senator Stewart- Cousins thanks Senator Diaz Sr.
Above - Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda's honoree was Ms. Neva Shillingford-King the wife of Councilman Andy King who is presenting her with flowers for the honor.
Below - Both Councilman Andy King and his wife Ms. Neva Shillingford-King came dressed for the occasion.
Above - Public Advocate Letitia James continues in the spirit of giving rousing speeches.
Below - BP Diaz Jr. gets into the mood by picking up his fathers cowboy.
Above - After the introduction by his father, BP Diaz Jr. thanks his father.
Below - Gospel Violinist Ms. Melanie Hill performs at the end of the program to a standing ovation.
TEAN DIAZ 2015
