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Description
The City of Albany Common Council celebrates African American / Black History Month with a special video featuring remarks by Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Congressman Paul D. Tonko, Assemblymember John McDonald, Assemblymember Patricia A. Fahy and Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan and Albany Housing Authority Executive Director Chiquita D’Arbeau. Featuring performances from Jordan Taylor Hill, Poetyc Visionz, and Prishel Encarnation from Giffen Memorial Elementary School!! The National Negro Anthem performed by Sidrah Stephens with Patricia Stephens-Burchette and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area. The keynote speaker this year is Jennifer Richardson.
Congratulations to:
James Campbell Matthews, Albany Law School’s first alumnus who can be identified with certainty as African American selected by Hon. Corey Ellis, Council President
Lauren Manning, Center for Law and Justice selected by Ward 4 Hon. Kelly Kimbrough, President Pro Tempore
Marie Campbell, Founder of Blooms by Marie selected by Ward 13 Hon. Ginnie Farrell, Majority Leader
Destini Harris selected by Ward 1 Hon. Sonia Frederick
Ernestine White selected by Ward 2 Hon. Derek Johnson
Ricja Rice, Esq. Albany City Court (Trial Part) selected by Ward 3 Hon. Joyce Love
Tabora Marcus selected by Ward 5 Hon. Jahmel Robinson
Ken Screven selected by Ward 6 Hon. Richard Conti
LeQuana Ham selected by Ward 7 Hon. Catherine M. Fahey
Damarise Mann, Director of Foster Care and Adoption Programs at Northern Rivers Family Services selected by Ward 8 Hon. Jack Flynn
LaVonda Collins, Esq. selected by Ward 9 Hon. Judy Doesschate
Gladys Lewis selected by Ward 10 Hon. Owusu Anane
Sarah Hines selected by Ward 11 Hon. Alfredo Balarin
Danielle Gillespie, City Clerk selected by Ward 12 Hon. Michael O’Brien
Hon. Christina Ryba, Albany County Supreme Court selected by Ward 14 Hon Joseph Igoe
Yasser Teouri, Student at University at Albany selected by Ward 15 Hon Tom Hoey
Speaks thanks to Minister Liam O. Staley & Pastor Traynham.
Video Edited by and Produced by: Michele Andre, Ryan Murray and Keith Morale
Video Contributors by Mark Bob- Semple, President Pro Tem Kelly Kimbrough and City Clerk Danielle Gillespie
This video is a loving tribute to Warren Mackey.
A
A
Good
evening
and
welcome
to
our
2021
african-american
history
month,
celebration
of
the
albany
common
council,
my
name
is
corey
ellis,
I'm
the
albany
common
council
president,
because
of
covid
this
year
our
celebration
will
be
virtual
and
you'll
be
hearing
from
a
number
of
our
elected
officials.
We
continue
the
celebration
and
we'd
like
to
thank
you
for
viewing
the
celebration
and
we
will
have
a
number
of
guests
coming
up
after
this,
but
thank
you
for
participating.
Thank
you
for
being
a
part
of
the
celebration.
B
We
are
so
thankful
for
those
who
have
tuned
in
to
celebrate
black
achievement,
not
only
in
this
country
but
in
our
local
communities,
god.
We
are
so
grateful
for
the
vision
you
gave
to
carter
g
woodson
and
minister
jesse
morland
over
95
years
ago
to
start
negro
history
week,
god
we're
so
thankful
for
those
who
expanded
it
to
a
whole
month
to
celebrate
the
black
lives
that
were
rejected
on
this
soil
god.
We
are
so
thankful
for
our
ancestors
and
our
elders,
who
led.
C
B
Way
and
gave
us
guidance
and
wisdom
and
understanding.
We
are
so
thankful,
god
for
their
lives.
They
had
to
persevere
and
face
all
types
of
hardship,
but
yet
we
celebrate
this
month,
their
achievements,
we
celebrate
their
greatness,
we
celebrate
their
power
and
their
majesty
their
boldness
and
courageousness
to
stand.
D
B
To
unjust
systems
to
stand
up
in
the
spite
of
people
coming
against
them,
they
still
persevered
to
leave
history
that
we
could
celebrate
and
we
are
so
thankful,
god
for
their
lives
and
their
legacies.
We're
also
thankful
for
those
in
our
local
communities
who
have
done
the
same.
We
ask
god
that
you
provide
your
blessings
over
this
service.
We
ask
that
you
bless
those
who
are
on
this
program
to
give
glory
to
you
and
to
our
ancestors
in
our
community.
In
your
name,
we
pray.
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
F
H
J
Hi,
I'm
mayor
kathy
sheehan,
and
it
is
my
pleasure
to
join
you
virtually
for
this
celebration
of
african
american
history
month.
Every
year
our
common
council
selects
individuals
from
across
the
city
to
honor
during
african
american
history
month
a
year
ago,
when
we
held
this
celebration,
I
don't
think
any
of
us
imagined
what
was
in
store
for
us
in
2020,
when
we
saw
those
first
few
cases
of
covet
19
impact
our
community
and
then
watched
it
spread.
J
We
also
saw
the
racial
disparities
in
the
impact
of
this
virus
in
access
to
health
care
and
the
disparities
in
the
number
of
people
who
were
getting
sick
and
how
sick
those
individuals
were
getting.
It
just
highlighted
how
important
our
work
is
to
ensure
that
we
are
doing
all
that
we
can
to
create
equity
in
our
community,
and
we
are
committed
to
doing
that
as
the
vaccine
is
rolled
out
here
in
the
city
of
albany.
That's
just
one
of
the
many
ways
that
my
office
and
our
common
council
work
together.
J
When
we
work
together
to
ensure
that
we
are
addressing
these
disparities,
then
we
know
that
we
can
be
successful,
but
we
can't
do
it
alone.
It
takes
individuals
like
those
who
are
being
honored
today
to
help
us
to
ensure
that
we
are
reaching
everyone
in
the
community
and
the
individuals
who
are
being
honored
are
truly
that
remarkable
public
servants
in
their
own
way.
D
D
D
K
Thank
you,
albany
city
council.
Thank
you
for
allowing
me
to
share
with
you,
as
we
celebrate
this
year
for
black
history
month
and
what
an
amazing
celebration
it
is.
It
may
be
virtual,
but
it's
even
more
momentous
than
ever,
especially
because
we've
just
celebrated
the
swearing-in
of
a
new
president
and
a
new
vice
president,
our
first
woman,
our
first
black
american
and
our
first
salvation
american.
K
It's
a
wonderful
way
to
start
the
new
year
and
we
are
making
history
every
day.
However,
we
want
to
still
celebrate
the
amazing
achievements
over
the
decades,
whether
it
is
right
here
in
albany,
our
underground
railroad
and
the
history
of
the
stephen
and
harriet
myers
museum
versus
the
the
history
that
is
made
every
day
and
the
new
poetry
by
our
youngest
new
poet,
laureate,
amanda,
gordon
so
much
to
celebrate
our
black
lives
matter.
L
L
Our
hometown
communities
have
been
home
to
giants
and
heroes
of
american
history
and
heritage,
including
stephen
and
harriet
myers,
who
are
active
in
the
underground
railroad
here
for
more
than
three
decades.
Helping
countless
people
fleeing
for
their
lives,
escape
slavery
and
find
freedom.
Their
home
still
stands
in
albany.
A
poignant
reminder
of
the
many
many
people
who
risked
their
lives
for
others.
L
I
say
this
with
deep
reverence
black
history
is
american
history
this
month,
and
always,
let
us
delight
in
the
stories
and
inspiration
that
we
draw
from
our
african-american
heroes
and
commit
to
the
harder
work
of
lifting
and
spreading
their
legacy.
Today
and
across
future
generations,
and
in
so
doing,
let
us
continue
to
build
toward
that
more
perfect
union
that
fulfills
america's
greatest
promise
of
liberty
and
justice
for
all.
M
Hi
I'm
lieutenant
governor
kathy
hulkel.
I
want
to
take
a
moment
to
share
some
reflections
on
black
history
month
from
social
justice
and
immigrants,
rights
to
suffrage
and
human
rights.
Black
history
month
embodies
both
the
struggle
and
the
strength
of
the
past,
but
more
than
just
pausing,
every
february
to
honor
those
who
fought
for
equality
and
justice.
M
We
must
actively
carry
on
the
work
that
began
in
many
ways
in
our
own
state.
Yes,
new
york
is
where
it
happened.
It's
where
the
niagara
movement,
which
later
became
the
naacp,
was
launched.
It's
where
abolitionists
and
suffragists,
sir
jordan
truth
was
born.
It's
where
harriet
tubman
made
her
home
for
half
a
century
and
was
relentless
in
her
fight
for
equality.
M
M
We
just
ended
a
year
of
tremendous
pain
for
black
americans,
the
dual
trauma
of
covet
19,
which
disproportionately
impacted
people
of
color
and
simultaneously
the
trauma
of
viewing
the
gut-wrenching
televised
images
of
murders
of
innocent
black
men
like
george
floyd
and
the
other
tragic
stories
of
black
lives.
Sensely
revealed
during
the
black
live
matters
protest
across
america.
M
M
M
Instead
of
denying
these
parts
of
our
history,
we
must
vow
to
acknowledge
it
and
sure
ensure
that
it
will
never
ever
happen.
Again.
Last
summer,
governor
cuomo
launched
a
statewide
effort
to
expose
and
eradicate
the
systemic
races
of
roiling
beliefs
beneath
our
criminal
justice
system
and
force
police
departments
and
communities
to
work
together
toward
a
common
plan.
Those
plans
are
due
next
month.
M
Yes,
I
think
my
former
colleague
in
congress,
the
great
john
lewis,
is
right
when
he
says
we
must
find
a
way
to
get
in
the
way
new
yorkers
are
doing
just
that.
As
we
celebrate
back
black
history,
we
also
look
to
the
future
and
whether
generations,
together
in
the
future,
will
agree
that
dr
martin
luther
king,
what
he
said
was
that
the
ark
of
the
moral
universe
is
long,
but
it
does
bend
toward
justice,
whether
that
that
becomes
the
reality
of
the
future
is
no
longer
up
to
dr
king.
It's
up
to
all
of
us.
N
Good
evening,
each
year
that
we
are
together
is
another
opportunity
to
be
thankful
for
our
health
families
and
the
communities
in
which
we
live
as
the
new
year
is
well
underway.
We
are
forever
mindful
of
black
history
month
this
year,
I'm
asking
each
one
of
us
to
give
special
consideration
to
our
friends,
families
and
neighbors.
N
N
N
B
B
B
O
O
O
But
they
also
believe
that
the
countless
african-american
men
and
women
who
contributed
to
the
advancement
of
the
race
should
also
be
remembered
because
they
played
such
a
critical
role
and,
as
he
once
said,
the
mere
imparting
of
information
is
not
education,
as
we
watch
reflect,
listen
to
music
artists
and
learn
from
the
business
leaders
highlight
today
and
we
educate
ourselves.
We
need
to
be
cognizant
aware
and
ready
to
take
action
beyond.
O
I
know
these
statistics
are
disheartening
and
I
believe
that
many
of
the
people
who
are
receiving
this
award,
who
are
members
of
this
community
when
you
think
about
your
friendship
groups
and
your
social
networks,
you
might
not
believe
this
to
be
the
case,
but
I
also
know
as
a
16-year
resident
and
someone
who
drives
these
streets
every
day
to
go
to
work
to
go
to
the
store.
I
definitely
see
the
inequalities
that
are
highly
present
in
our
community
on
our
city
streets
every
day.
O
Thus,
we
as
a
muni
community
need
to
task
ourselves
to
go
beyond
just
information
to
educate
ourselves.
What
are
we
doing
as
a
community
beyond
just
our
elected
officials
but
the
everyday
citizens
of
albany
to
make
our
city
better
and
more
inclusive
this
summer,
I'm
sure
you
are
all
remember,
was
a
very
memorable
summer
and
very
historic.
O
I,
as
president
of
the
capital
district
blackness
bank
bar
association,
receives
more
job
postings
than
I
have
received
in
the
entire.
My
entire
tenure
again,
I
received
more
job
postings
in
one
month
than
my
entire
tenure
is
president,
and
I
was
so
honored
and
so
delighted
that
individuals
in
our
community
were
highly
interested
in
hiring
african-american
candidates
and
looking
for
african-american
candidates
and
taking
that
second
step
to
find
my
organization
so
that
they
can
ensure
that
their
job
posting
was
reviewed
by
african-american
candidates.
O
I
was
so
delighted
this
summer
to
see
a
list
that
was
created
of
all
the
black
owned
businesses
in
albany.
Besides,
just
restaurants,
I,
as
someone
who've,
always
utilized
black
owned
businesses,
knew
how
hard
it
is
to
find
and
do
that
in
research
yourself.
So
I
was
excited
that
someone
had
taken
the
time
to
help
the
community
and
do
that
to
highlight
our
black
owned
businesses.
O
What
I
hope
is
that
this
summer
isn't
just
a
moment
in
time.
What
I
hope
is
that
we
go
beyond
the
blackout,
tuesday
boxes,
that
many
on
social
media
posted
and
we
take
action.
I
hope
we
go
beyond
june
2020
and
the
protests
in
march.
I
hope
we
go
beyond
negro
history
week.
I
hope
you
go
beyond
black
history
month
and
I
hope
we
take
true
steps
as
a
community
to
unify
and
empower
african
americans.
O
R
Well,
your
brain
doesn't
know
the
difference
between
a
dream
and
reality
and
a
dream.
Undeferred
can
influence
reality
like
a
good
movie,
creates
this
conscious
daydream
until
you
wake
up
it
sinks
in
and
then
it
is
back
to
daily
living.
It's
like
trying
to
be
in
someone
else's
skin.
You
don't
quite
fit
in
untapped,
potentially
exponentially
different,
and
you
know
it's
supposed
to
be
living
extra
ordinary.
R
Like
that,
I
you
identified
with
in
the
movie,
then
it
happens.
This
catastrophic
event
like
the
time
you
struggled
through
your
most
difficult
challenge,
because
when
you
passed
it,
you
now
have
this
great
power
with
an
even
greater
responsibility
to
live
your
story,
so
you
advance
from
civilian
to
masterpiece
with
no
cape,
maybe
a
pair
of
tights,
mastering
the
balance
of
life
through
a
dream
undeferred
influencing
reality.
But
imitation
is
the
highest
form
of
flattery,
so
I'm
flattered
to
see
superman
absorb
the
sun.
R
Like
me,
flattered
to
see
the
hulk
start,
small
grow
large
turn,
osiris
green
be
well
endowed
and
ready
to
smash
things,
and
it
it
always
takes
a
lady
to
tame
the
beast.
Like
wonder,
womb
man
looking
like
100
is
the
new
20.
aging
gracefully
like
angela
bass
is
sicily,
tyson
felicia,
rashad,
om
god
is
black?
R
Ladies
I've
seen
you
tie
your
emotions
to
an
event
and
never
forget
what
a
wonderful
way
to
last
so
the
truth
in
hell,
hath,
no
fury
like
the
woman
storm,
the
first
mutant
to
be
worshipped
as
a
goddess.
It's
like
channeling
energy.
From
the
root
of
your
spine.
To
out
of
your
mind,
I
see
why
the
rise
of
the
black
cobra
sat
on
ancient
africans
mind's
eye.
R
R
Let
me
rewind
and
slow
it
down
this
time.
Sonic,
like
the
dreadlock
hedgehog
running
through
the
matrix,
collecting
seven
chakra
chaos
m
roots
to
morph,
to
super
sonic
super
saying
we
transform
to
new
beings
every
seven
years
in
real
life,
real
time,
something
to
marvel
at
universally
and
finally,
black
panther
rest
in
peace.
But
a
carbon
copy
reflection
of
you
and
me.
The
only
superhero,
doesn't
receive
his
super
abilities
to
freak
laboratory
accidents
but
obtains
the
strength
of
the
black
panther
through
the
drink
of
a
heart
shaped
herb.
A
Hi,
I'm
only
common
council
president
corey
ellis
and
in
honor
of
our
2021
african-american
history
month
celebration
of
the
albany
comic
council.
I
would
like
to
honor
james
campbell
matthews
james
campbell
matthews
was
the
first
african
american
to
graduate
from
albany
law
school.
He
also
was
new
york
state's
first
african
american
judge.
A
The
new
york
times
praised
mr
matthews
for
his
candidacy
when
she
won
as
being
the
judge
of
albany's
recorder
court
in
1895
and
in
that
job
he
held
one
of
the
highest
judiciary
positions
for
any
african-americans
up
until
that
time
born
in
1844
new
haven
connecticut,
mr
matthews
and
his
family
moved
to
albany
where
he
attended
public
school
number
four
and
he
graduated
from
albany
academy.
In
1864..
A
But
his
nomination
was
blocked
by
republican
senators,
who
are
reacting
to
news
that
matthews
actively
sought
to
influence
albany
republicans
to
switch
parties.
Matthews
spent
44
years
practicing
law,
james
campbell
matthews,
is
buried
in
rural
cemetery,
albany
rural
cemetery.
He
had
one
son,
charles
matthews.
It
is
my
pleasure
to
honor
james
campbell
matthews.
T
T
U
U
Hi,
my
name
is
jenny,
farrell
and
I'm
the
13th
ward
common
council
representative.
It
is
with
great
honor
and
absolute
privilege
that
I
introduced
the
13th
wards
black
history
month.
Honoree
marie
campbell,
the
pandemic
has
been
incredibly
difficult
on
all
of
us.
It
takes
a
person
with
courage,
determination
and
grit
to
not
just
change
careers
during
a
time
like
this,
but
to
open
a
business
and
have
that
business
thrive.
U
That
is
exactly
who
marie
campbell
is
marie
opened
blooms
by
marie
during
the
pandemic
for
selling
flowers
from
her
house,
then
moving
to
farmers
markets
and
she
just
had
a
ribbon
cutting
at
her
new,
even
larger
location
at
811,
madison
avenue
right
here
in
albany
helping
albany
grow
by
opening
businesses.
It's
truly
amazing
marie
constantly
gives
back
she
gives
back
to
non-profits.
She
gives
to
people
in
the
community
it's
hard
to
find
a
group
that
marie
hasn't
reached
out
to
to
help
see
if
she
can
help
them
in
some
way.
U
Now
she's
used
blooms
by
marie
as
an
added
opportunity
to
help
people
through
the
beauty
of
flowers,
marie
moved
to
albany
from
jamaica
when
she
was
14
and
she
spent
30
years
as
a
nurse
before
she
started
blooms
by
marie
now
she
tends
people's
hearts
and
spirits
through
the
beauty
of
flowers.
I've
been
fortunate
to
know
marie.
For
many
years
we
met
on
the
sidelines
of
t-ball
fields,
at
westland,
hills
and
she's,
been
inspiring
me
every
day.
Since
then,
marie.
Thank
you
for
all.
U
C
C
C
Examples
include
a
census
cookout,
a
black
woman's
matter
march,
and
a
virtual
book
club
in
this
month
of
february,
they're,
currently
every
day
showcasing
a
woman
either
from
the
national
level
or
here
in
the
capital
region
and
focusing
on
their
contributions
to
society
and
what
they've
done
thus
far,
I'm
very
proud
of
destiny
in
elevate518
you're,
doing
incredible
things.
I'm
looking
forward
to
seeing
the
next
steps
for
your
nonprofit
and
looking
forward
to
seeing
your
next
steps
here
in
the
capital
region.
Congratulations
to
you,
destiny,
well-deserved!
V
Good
evening,
this
is
a
part
of
the
job
that
I
look
forward
to
each
year
and
the
person
that
I'm
gonna
be
speaking
about
tonight.
It
brings
me
personal
joy
to
be
able
to
speak
about
mrs
ernestine
teeny
white.
Mrs
white
has
worked
in
a
number
of
positions
in
the
albany
housing
authority.
I
believe
she
finished
out
as
the
tenant
commissioner
from
1979
to
1996,
and
you
know
a
lot
of
the
stuff
that
mrs
white
did.
It
was
a
lot
a
lot
before
my
time.
You
know.
V
V
If
you
had
the
opportunity
to
go
to
mrs
white's
house,
her
kids,
the
ages
of
her
kids,
you
know
she
had
older
and
younger
kids,
and
you
know
all
her.
Kids
had
people
that
came
through
the
house
to
visit
the
family
and
it
was
interesting
to
watch
mrs
white
communicate
with
all
age
groups,
and
I
think
that
our
age
group
will
be
most
fond
of
mrs
white
for
the
time
that
was
spent
in
the
community
center
on
third
ave.
V
I
just
remember
so
many
different
programs
being
created
out
of
mrs
white's
time
and
and
others
that
supported
that
effort
and
a
lot
of
my
friends
were
beneficial
of
that
because
many
years
later
you
see
them
doing
this
similar
types
of
activities.
So
it's
an
old
saying
that
apples
don't
fall
too
far
from
the
tree
and
the
tree
that
miss
white
built
in
our
community.
V
Today,
mrs
you
know
she's
on
deck
to
come
out
and
still
put
in
work,
and
you
know
I
just
want
to
let
her
know
that
we
appreciate
the
the
vision
that
she
had
for
some
of
us,
because
I
know
personally,
she
planted
in
me
that
I
had
the
potential
to
do
some
of
the
things
that
I
didn't
really
understand
that
I
could
do
so
to
that.
I
will
be
forever
grateful
and
it's
an
honor
to
be
able
to
recognize
the
things
that
she
did
as
a
trailblazer.
V
She
opened
up
many
doors
that
are
still
opening
up
doors
for
others.
So
tonight
we
want
to
make
sure
that
we
recognize
miss
ernestine,
teeny
white,
as
many
of
us
many
of
us
know
her
as
teeny
and
she's.
Definitely
one
who
we
wanted
to
make
sure
smelled
her
roses,
while
she
was
still
here
so
to
mrs
ernestine
teeny
white.
I
say
thank
you
and
a
job
well
done.
W
W
She
is
actively
involved
in
the
community
and
is
a
mentor
to
many
to
many,
especially
in
the
legal
field
she's
currently
serving,
as
vice
president
of
the
capitol
district,
black
and
hispanic
bar
association,
and
she
is
recently
nominated
by
the
mayor
and
confirmed
by
the
council
to
the
board
of
zonin
appeal.
I
am
proud
to
stand
here
to
honor
miss
rice,
gill.
Thank
you.
X
Hello:
everyone,
I'm
city
of
albany,
fifth
ward,
councilman,
jamel,
robinson
people,
often
hear
me
say
that
community
transformation
begins
with
individual
actions
of
self-sacrifice,
meaning
all
of
us
have
the
power
to
facilitate
change.
As
long
as
we
are
willing
to
give
up
something
to
help
a
greater
cause.
X
Y
Y
I
first
met
ken
many
years
ago
when
he
interviewed
me
as
a
member
of
the
common
council,
the
start
of
a
friendship
that
continues
to
today,
originally
from
down
state
ken
relocated
to
albany,
to
pursue
a
career
in
journalism
becoming
the
first
black
man.
As
a
tv
reporter
in
the
capital
region,
ken's
reporting
reflected
an
ability
to
really
humanize
his
stories
and
bring
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
community.
We
live
in
and
its
diversity
whether
it
was
covering
the
struggle
to
combat
age
and
hiv.
Y
Y
His
work
and
achievements
have
been
recognized
with
the
citizen
action,
jim
parry,
progressive
leadership
award
in
our
own
voices
community
advocate,
and
just
last
year,
the
albany
damian
center's
hero
award.
So
tonight
I'm
honored
to
recognize
sixth
ward
resident
ken
screvin,
a
trailblazer
for
his
work
and
contributions
to
the
community.
Thank
you.
Thank
you.
Ken.
Z
Good
evening,
I'm
kathy
fahey
council
member
for
albany's,
seventh
ward.
I
am
personally
very
delighted
that
we
can
still
continue
this
very
proud
tradition
of
honoring
members
of
our
community
during
african
american
history
month
again
this
year.
Despite
the
pandemic
this
year,
albany's
seventh
ward
is
very
proud
to
honor,
laquana
ham
at
albany's
african-american
history
month
celebration
throughout
her
life,
laquana
has
demonstrated
a
passion
for
public
service
she's
volunteered
her
time
in
the
community
by
working
with
various
populations
that
include
senior
citizens,
the
economically
disadvantaged
and
people
with
disabilities.
Z
Z
Laquan
is
also
an
environmental
activist
and
she
has
embraced
the
art
of
gardening.
Every
year,
miss
ham
arranges
decorative
gardens
around
her
home.
This
tradition
has
created
a
sanctuary
and
offers
the
community
something
to
look
forward
to
every
year,
and
I
can
personally
attest
to
that.
Her,
her,
gardens
and
and
home
are
beautifully
kept
and
we
and
we
all
look
up
to
laquana's
skills
in
that
area.
Laquana
holds
an
associate's
degree
in
science
and
prides
herself
on
being
a
lifelong
learner
through
formal
credentialing.
She
endeavors
to
expand
her
educational
portfolio.
Z
Z
AA
AA
AA
Today,
demerits
is
the
director
of
foster
care
and
adoption
program
at
northern
rivers,
family
services,
one
of
the
largest
multi-service
agencies
in
new
york's
capital
region,
dedicated
to
helping
families
and
their
children
a
graduate
of
the
university
of
social
welfare.
She
has
been
the
director
of
foster
care
and
dancer
program
since
2008..
AA
One
of
the
things
I'm
also
very
proud
of
is
that
miss
mann
has
two
daughters.
Like
myself,
I
have
two
daughters
that
also
graduated
from
the
albany
school
districts.
Another
thing
that
I'm
very
proud
of
that
her
and
I
have
similarities-
is
she
likes
to
bike?
She
likes
food
and
she
likes
to
golf
damaris.
Just
so,
you
know
is
a
excellent
golfer
and
somebody
that
I'm
trying
to
get
very
involved
in
our
community
to
help
at
the
golf
course
this
year.
AA
AA
AB
AA
P
P
Good
evening,
everyone,
my
name,
is
judy
doshet.
I
am
the
common
council
member
representing
the
ninth
ward.
It's
my
pleasure
this
evening
to
honor
9th
ward
resident
lavonda
collins
lavonda
is
an
inspirational
role.
Model
who's
overcome
many
challenges
in
her
life
to
become
a
successful
lawyer.
An
involved
community
member
and
a
great
mentor
to
our
youth
lavonda
is
the
oldest
of
six
children.
She
was
born
in
florida
and
moved
to
the
syracuse
area
as
a
child.
P
AC
Good
evening
my
name
is
owusu
anani
councilmember,
representing
the
pine
hills
neighborhood
in
the
city
of
albany.
Thank
you
all
for
joining
us
this
evening
for
our
annual
black
history
month
celebration.
The
events
of
this
past
year
shows
us
that
we
still
have
a
long
way
to
go
when
it
comes
to
achieving
full
equality.
AC
AC
Today.
It
gives
me
great
pleasure
to
honor
gladys
lewis
as
a
tenth
award
honoree
after
graduating
from
high
school
and
marion
high
school
sweetheart,
robert
lewis,
in
november
of
1960,
the
pair
moved
to
albany
new
york
in
1973,
gladys
became
formally
licensed
by
new
york
state
and
the
gladys
lewis
daycare
center
came
into
existence
among
being
the
first
african-american
women-owned
business
in
the
capital
region.
AC
It
gives
me
great
pleasure
and
I'm
proud
to
honor
gladys
lewis
as
a
10th
ward
honoree
as
a
lifelong
resident
of
our
city
and
as
a
successful
business
owner.
Gladys
lewis
is
living
proof
that,
despite
the
barriers
and
the
challenges
that
comes
with
being
a
black
woman
in
america,
nothing
is
impossible
if
you
set
your
sights
high
and
if
you're
willing
to
pursue
your
dreams.
AC
Q
Q
Q
Q
AD
You,
the
12th
ward
honoree,
is
our
albany
city
clerk,
danielle
gillespie.
She
is
well
known
and
greatly
appreciated
by
all
of
our
council
members
and
throughout
albany
city
government.
Danielle
gillespie
holds
a
master's
degree
from
the
purdue
university
school
of
business.
She
completed
her
undergraduate
degree
at
nyack
college
with
high
honors,
while
furthering
her
education.
AD
She
was
a
working
professional.
She
spent
several
years
working
in
financial
services,
both
in
retail
and
commercial
banking.
After
leaving
the
financial
services
industry,
she
went
to
work
for
the
city
of
albany
school
district,
where
she
was
a
champion
for
students
and
families.
She
worked
to
bring
funding
to
programs,
provide
resources
for
students
and
faculty
and
was
an
overall
change
agent
and
a
level
of
support
for
the
community.
AD
She
worked
this
with
the
school
district
for
15
years
in
2017.
Danielle
was
hired
by
the
city
of
albany
to
be
the
director
of
the
bureau
of
vital
statistics.
She
identified
areas
of
improvement,
brought
in
strong
staff,
built
strong
relationships
with
internal
and
external
partners
and
strengthened
the
overall
operation
of
the
department.
AD
Vital
statistics
under
her
leadership,
efficiently
managed
a
vast
amount
of
information
and
dealt
daily
with
the
members
of
the
public
in
2019.
Danielle
was
promoted
to
albany
city
clerk.
The
city
clerk's
office
serves
the
mayor,
the
common
council
and
the
public.
The
city
clerk
also
oversees
the
board
of
contract
and
supply,
which
does
bidding
for
various
public
operations.
AD
The
city
clerk's
office
issues
many
municipal
licenses
and
permits,
including
marriage
licenses,
dog
licenses
coin,
operated,
vending
games
of
chance
and
special
event
permits.
The
city
clerk's
office
also
accepts
freedom
of
information
law
requests
on
behalf
of
the
public.
The
clerk
is
the
records
access
officer
for
the
city
since
becoming
a
city.
AD
Clerk
danielle
has
brought
many
innovations
to
the
office,
including
managed
to
continue
services
during
the
covet
19
pandemic
with
minimal
disruption,
implemented
credit
card
payment,
processing
for
key
services,
implemented
virtual
marriage
license
issuance
and
ceremonies
rolled
out
the
clerk's
officiant
program
to
allow
couples
to
have
civil
ceremonies.
While
the
courts
were
closed.
AD
Very
importantly,
the
city
clerk
serves
as
secretary
to
the
albany
common
council,
the
city
clerk
in
cooperation
with
our
legislative
council,
john
rafael,
picardo
and
legislative
aide.
Michelle
andre
work
on
legislation
prepare
all
of
the
community
meetings
and
public
hearings.
Transcribe
and
record
proceedings
distribute
all
information
materials
to
the
public
and
attest
to
all
ordinances
laws
and
resolutions
passed
by
the
common
council.
In
my
opinion,
they
are
unsurpassed
by
any
other
team
in
our
city
government.
AE
Judge
raven
was
selected
as
president
of
the
albany
county
bar
association
in
2018
and
the
board
of
directors
making
her
the
first
and
still
the
only
black
president
in
the
organization's
century,
plus
history
as
president.
She
developed
and
led
successful
efforts
to
revitalize
and
expand
the
membership
of
the
organization.
AE
Currently
she
co-chairs
the
racial
justice
committee
of
the
albany
bar
association,
whose
purpose
is
to,
among
other
things,
investigate,
educate
and
advocate
on
the
issues
of
racial
justice
and
racial
disparities,
as
they
pertain
to
the
administration
of
justice
in
in
albany
county
she's.
Also,
currently,
the
president
of
the
bar
foundation,
the
foundation
works
with
the
albany
county
bar
association
to,
among
other
things,
facilitate
and
promote
access
to
justice
in
legal
services
and
to
institute
and
maintain
legal
aid
facilities
for
the
indigent
in
2020.
AE
She
was
one
of
only
four
judges
recognized
in
this
law
power
100
and
is
the
only
state
trial
judge
on
the
list
prior
to
beginning
her
term.
In
2016,
she
held
various
positions
in
the
court
system
of
the
court
administration
and
in
a
new
york
state
supreme
court
third
department
appellate
division,
including
special
projects
council
to
the
deputy
chief,
administrative
judge
for
courts
outside
new
york
city
and
special
projects
council
to
the
presiding
justice
of
the
appellate
division.
Third
department,
prior
to
working
in
the
judiciary,
church
regal
was
an
associate
in
nixon
peabody.
AE
AF
AF
AF
AF
I
AG
S
S
AG
AG
AH
Good
evening
as
tonight
comes
to
its
conclusion,
I
want
to
thank
mayor
chan
and
the
albany
common
council
for
honoring
a
few
of
our
great
citizens,
both
tonight
and
every
year,
during
this
special
time.
These
honorees
are
representative
of
the
many
noble
people
who
are
working
to
make
albany
not
only
better
but
make
it
the
greatest
city
in
the
nation.
AH
AH
I
pray
that
you
will
watch
over
the
residents
of
albany
new
york,
our
great
mayor,
the
common
council,
our
law
enforcement
officials
and
every
person
that
has
anything
to
do
with
albany
new
york.
We
pray
that
a
spirit
of
unity
will
prevail
and
that
there
will
be
much
peace
and
prosperity
within
our
walls
and
in
every
home
as
the
prince
of
peace.
Lord,
we
ask
that
you
release
your
mandate
for
us
to
live
in
peace
with
all
men
as
much
as
it
is
within
our
power
to
do
so.
AH
We
choose
to
make
this
a
priority
in
this
upcoming
year.
We
pray
that
we
will
walk
in
unity
and
harmony
and
that
true
reconciliation
between
the
various
races,
religious
and
political
groups
in
our
citizens
that
have
been
at
odds
with
one
another
would
be
realized
and
that
our
streets
would
be
safe
havens
for
all
of
our
residents.
AH
Lastly,
in
praying
for
our
political
leaders,
I
ask
that
you
give
them
wisdom
beyond
their
years,
that
your
knowledge
will
flow
freely
and
that
they
would
move
albany
forward
in
ways
that
will
benefit
our
residents
and,
most
importantly,
in
ways
that
will
bring
you
the
glory.
That
is,
do
your
name.
We
ask
these
things
in
the
name
of
your
son,
jesus
christ
and
now
to
him
who
is
able
to
keep
us
from
falling
and
present
us
faultless
before
the
presence
of
his
glory.