The Brooklyn Democratic Party is ushering in February as National Black History Month, which it calls “a crucial time to honor the resilience, achievements, and cultural contributions of Black Americans.”
“It is also a poignant moment to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of those who have shaped our nation and are continually paving the way for progress,“ Party Chair, Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, told Caribbean Life.
“Black History Month serves as a call to action, inspiring solidarity among individuals of all backgrounds,“ added the representative for the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn. “This is not only about celebrating the past; it is a powerful reminder that the fight for civil rights and equality is ongoing.
“Black people have endured – and continue to endure – bias, discrimination, and an uphill battle overall,“ Bichotte Hermelyn continued. “Let this month continue to inform our collective understanding of the fight for freedom.”
But she said that while the party reflects on past accomplishments, Black History Month is also a time to “confront present-day challenges.“
“Issues such as voting rights, economic disparities, and racial discrimination still persist, and they demand our attention as certain lawmakers still try to unravel centuries of progress,“ the Assembly Member said. “Now, we meet the moment by renewing our commitment to legislative and social action, safeguarding the progress we’ve made while continuing to break down barriers for future generations.
“Black History Month reminds us that our work is far from over, and we cannot go back,“ she added. “Our history drives our collective efforts for a brighter, more unified, and equitable future.”
Bichotte Hermelyn said the Brooklyn Democratic Party was proud to celebrate the instillation of Judge Norma Jennings, New York State’s first Black LGBTQ+ Civil Court Judge.
At her historic swearing-in ceremony, the Assembly Member praised Judge Jennings for her “commitment and dedication to justices and equality“ and lauded her representation.
“She’s amazing, she’s a human being, and she’s fierce,“ Bichotte Hermelyn said. “You are an example of who we are.”
The assemblywoman said New York is renowned for Black innovators and changemakers, from physicians to artists and everything in between.
She highlighted a few of the Black “firsts.”
She noted that Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. was sworn in as New York’s first African American City Council Member by Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia.
A prominent civil rights leader in Harlem, Powell was also pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church.
Bichotte Hermelyn said Powell, Jr. served his Harlem neighborhood in Congress from 1945 until 1971.
She said Gwen Ifill was a trailblazing journalist “whose unwavering commitment to truth and integrity reshaped political reporting.”
Bichotte Hermelyn said Ifill was “a proud daughter of Caribbean immigrants“ who “broke barriers as the first Black woman to moderate a US Vice Presidential Debate and co-anchor a major news program, paving the way for future generations.”
The Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair said Ella Fitzgerald was the first African American, along with Count Basie, to win a Grammy award.
“Ella’s renowned vocals and talent are credited for elevating Black into mainstream media attention,“ she said.
Bichotte Hermelyn said Brooklynite Maurice Ashley was the first African American to be awarded the title of International Grand Master at Chess.
She said he also recently created an iPhone application that teaches people how to play the game.
Throughout Black History Month, Bichotte Hermelyn said her office will highlight past and present Black pioneers.
