Several elected officials and community figures joined local residents on Thursday, Dec. 22 in participating in a grand holiday party hosted by Sen. Roxanne Persaud, the new representative for the 19th Senatorial District in Brooklyn.
“The end of the year is always a festive time, the Guyanese-born Persaud told Caribbean Life, who, on Nov. 3, won the special election called to replace the former representative, John Sampson, the son a Guyanese father and an African American mother.
“It is a time when we should put aside our differences and celebrate,” added Persaud, who formerly represented the 59th Assembly District in Brooklyn. “Whether we are celebrating Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa or nothing at all, there is an excitement in the air that brings us together.
Attendees at this year’s holiday party — held at Persaud’s district office, 1222 East, 96th Street in Canarsie, Brooklyn — included elected officials, such as US Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-8th CD); Council Member Alan Maisel; district leaders; Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez; New York Police Department (NYPD) officers; local residents; and local civic leaders.
There were lots to eat and drink, with pulsating Caribbean rhythms and dancing.
Millenium Development hosted a photo booth, at which patrons were invited to take a picture with the Senator highlighting their attendance.
Another highlight of the evening was the fabulous dessert room, which included lots of scrumptious treats, and a candy station.
“It has been an enjoyable and festive event,” said Jamaican Omar Boucher, legislative and political coordinator, NYC Board of Education Employees, D.C. 37/AFSCME/AFL-CIO. “A great networking opportunity.”
His compatriot Elaine Reid, an Assistant Professor in the Social and Behavioral Science Department at Brooklyn’s Medgar Evers College, agreed.
“It was an excellent opportunity to celebrate with Sen. Persaud on the great work she has done for the community over the past year,” she said.
Persaud thanked her staff for “working tirelessly to ensure that everyone would have an enjoyable evening.
“I also thank everyone who attended, and I wish them all the very best for the holiday season and New Year,” she said.
The district covers the Brooklyn districts of Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill and Starrett City.
Persaud, who lives in Canarsie, is a longtime advocate for her community and an avid volunteer.
Before winning the 19th Senatorial District seat, Persaud was elected to the State Assembly in November 2014, making her the first female to represent the 59th Assembly District.
She said her dedication to serving her community motivated her to serve in various capacities. She was president of the 69th Precinct Community Council in Canarsie, member of Community Board 18 and commissioner on the New York City Districting Commission.
In addition, she is a graduate of the NYPD Citizens Police Academy, as well as the New York City Office of Emergency Management-Community Emergency Response Team; member of Community Action Board of the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development; and chairperson of the Neighborhood Advisory Board – District 18.
Persaud, a graduate of Pace University from which she holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Education Administration, said she also served on organizations fighting domestic violence and cancer awareness.
