Bronx Borough President Hosts Black History Month Celebration

Event at Eastwood Manor honors community leaders and trailblazers

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson commemorated the 100th anniversary of Black History Month with an annual celebration at Eastwood Manor. The event featured live music, community reflections, and a keynote address from New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. Multiple community members were honored for their contributions to education, mentorship, and community empowerment in the Bronx.

Why it matters

The celebration highlighted the profound contributions, resilience, and enduring legacy of African Americans in the Bronx and across New York City. It provided an opportunity to recognize local leaders and trailblazers who have made a lasting impact on their community.

The details

The event kicked off with vocalist Diane Arroya singing the National Anthem and 'Lift Every Voice and Sing.' Borough President Gibson emphasized that Black history is American history and celebrated the pioneers and trailblazers whose work has paved the way. Several community members were honored, including Dwayne Johnson of Johnson's BBQ, Lorraine Rohlsen-Alexander of Tennis Lady Co-op City, Celia Cruz High School Choir Director Jacqueline Bergland, Metropolitan College of New York President Dr. Charles J. Gibbs, Youth Honoree and Cardinal Hayes High School Student Darnell L.S. Yates II, and J.A.D.E. Multi Family Circle Center Founder and President Dr. Johnnie Goff, who received the Aurelia Greene Award.

  • The celebration took place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
  • The event commemorated the 100th anniversary of Black History Month.

The players

Vanessa L. Gibson

Bronx Borough President who hosted the annual Black History Month celebration.

Jumaane Williams

New York City Public Advocate who delivered the keynote address at the event.

Dwayne Johnson

Owner of Johnson's BBQ, one of the community members honored at the celebration.

Lorraine Rohlsen-Alexander

Member of the Tennis Lady Co-op City, one of the community members honored at the celebration.

Jacqueline Bergland

Celia Cruz High School Choir Director, one of the community members honored at the celebration.

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What they’re saying

“As we mark 100 years of celebrating Black History in this country, we are reminded that Black excellence did not begin a century ago, and it certainly does not end here. Black history is American history. It is the story of perseverance in the face of injustice, innovation in the face of exclusion and leadership rooted in faith, family and community. Tonight, we celebrate the pioneers and trailblazers whose shoulders we proudly stand on and recommit ourselves to building a borough where opportunity, equity and dignity are not aspirations, but a reality for every Bronx resident.”

— Vanessa L. Gibson, Bronx Borough President (bxtimes.com)

What’s next

The Bronx Borough President's office plans to continue hosting the annual Black History Month celebration to honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans in the community.

The takeaway

The Bronx Black History Month celebration showcased the resilience, innovation, and leadership of the borough's African American community, highlighting the importance of recognizing and celebrating the profound impact of Black history on the fabric of American society.