(FREEPORT, BALDWIN and ROOSEVELT, N.Y.) – Nassau County Legislator Seth I. Koslow (D – Merrick) and Alternate Deputy Minority Leader Debra Mulé (D – Freeport) honored outstanding community leaders from Legislative Districts 5 and 6 during a special Black History Month celebration at the Freeport Memorial Library on Wednesday, Feb. 19.
The evening’s honorees included Freeport’s Regina Hurt, a retired USPS worker and breast cancer survivor who later launched her Feeding the Community not-for-profit organization; Freeport’s Melissa Harris, who launched Melissa Meals and Ministries after receiving her calling during the COVID-19 pandemic; Marc Rigueur, founder of CYBS Accountants & Tax Specialists in Freeport and Treasurer of the Rotary Club of Freeport and Merrick; Baldwin’s Rah-Quel “Rocky” Bryant, a local community advocate who launched her Rocky’s Kicking Treats baking company at age 12; Rochelle Gooding, a Roosevelt youth advocate and the District’s Community Service Information Assistant; Rev. Andrew Branch Sr., longtime pastor of Naomi Temple A.M.E. Zion Church in Roosevelt; and Alexander Moffatt, founder of Baldwin-based Candle De Lite.
“During Black History Month and all year long, we recognize the achievements and resilience of Black Americans who paved the way for progress throughout history and are continuing to do so in their daily lives,” Legislator Koslow said. “It was wonderful to have such a strong turnout for a ceremony celebrating an intergenerational group of exemplary leaders that are continuing to make their mark in the worlds of philanthropy, faith, and entrepreneurship.”
“Black History Month is a time to reflect upon the profound contributions of the Black leaders, artists, innovators, and activists who shaped history and continue to make a positive impact today,” I thank the community for rallying around this celebration of Black excellence in Nassau County and applaud our outstanding honorees – each of whom enriches our world through the pursuit of their passions.”
PHOTO CREDIT – Office of the Legislative Minority