Greek-American Politicians Participate in Black History Month Celebrations

Greek American Senator Michael Gianaris, Councilman Costa Constantinides and Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan celebrated Black History Month at Astoria Houses in conjunction with Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, The Floating Hospital, Urban Upbound, HANAC, Astoria Cornerstone, and Minor Miracles. The event celebrated the contributions of African-Americans throughout our country’s history and honored several local leaders.

The honorees list included Cynthia Davis, Director of Community Outreach at The Floating Hospital; Shaun Leonardo, Director of Public Programming at Socrates Sculpture Park; Almeda Rodman, Treasurer at Astoria Houses Senior Center and Andre Stith, Community Schools Manager at Zone 126.

“I am honored to celebrate Black History Month with so many people who have done so much for our community,” said Senator Michael Gianaris. “As we celebrate the many contributions of this important community throughout the history of our country, we also honor those who have given their time and effort to improve the lives of their neighbors here in Astoria. To our honorees tonight I say thank you.”

Council Member Costa Constantinides said, “We were proud to pay tribute to Astoria’s leaders and to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during our annual Black History Month celebration. One of Dr. King’s goals was to unify communities for the benefit of all and we gathered to honor those individuals who have stayed true to Dr. King’s vision of helping to unify their community. We know that our community leaders will continue that vision and the fight for equality that has been central to the Civil Rights Movement. I congratulate our honorees and I thank Senator Gianaris, Assembly Member Nolan, and the Astoria Houses Residents Association for collaborating on this event.”

“I am so happy to have sponsored this wonderful event along with Senator Gianaris, Councilmember Constantinides and the Astoria Houses Residents Association in celebrating Black History Month” said Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan. “I’m so thankful for the great leadership of Bishop Mitchell Taylor, TA President Claudia Coger and this year’s honorees for their great contributions they make every day to make our community a better place.”