On February 18, Eugenio María de Hostos Community College recognized three distinguished Black Leaders and eight student scholars received scholarships as part of the College’s African American/Black History Month celebration.
Those honored were CUNY Trustee Una Clarke, Hon. NY City Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson, and Dr. Ofelia Rodríguez, who is the Director of Community Development and Government Affairs at Broadway Housing.
Recipients of the Pediatrics 2000 /Juan Bosch Scholarship Recipients included Geselli Veloz, Afolashade Adeyanju, Wendy Flores, Diana Moreta, Amadou Maiga, Juana Florentino, Anna Mikheyeya, and Lliamel Desangeles. Mrs. Mayi Libfeld, Coordinator of the Office of Scholarships, presented the scholarships.
NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer presented Hostos with a proclamation, and the honorees also received citations from the Hon. NYS Assembly Member Victor M. Pichardo.
Hostos President David Gómez welcomed the attendees and congratulated the honorees and the scholarship recipients. Muiz Agbaje, Vice President of the Student Government Association (SGA), brought greetings from the student body.
The attendees enjoyed food, music, and cultural offerings drawn from the wealth of African communities. English Department Professor Cynthia Jones presented a poetry recital that highlighted the importance of Black History Month. Jones also served as mistress of ceremonies.
Associate Ana Dean García Reyes coordinated the event in collaboration with the SGA. She noted in her closing remarks: “As we begin to celebrate African American/Black History Month, let us acknowledge the vision and courage of those who paved the way for so many and contributed so greatly to the American Dream. Their history, heritage and culture is rich and vibrant.”