HUD's New York Regional Office Joins Federal Agencies to Celebrate Black History Month

Colonel David A. Caldwell, Commander, US Army Corps of Engineers, Melissa M. Freeman, MD; and HUD Region II D/Regional Administrator Mirza Orriols.

The Sixth Annual Federal Interagency Celebration of National African-American History Month was the most memorable yet, bringing together the valuable personal history of Melissa M. Freeman, MD, talented performers, and heartfelt remarks from agency leaders.

Organized by a group of multiple federal agency staff members and co-chaired by HHS's Sandra Pinnock and OASH's Marline Vignier, the celebration featured 92 year-old Physician In-Charge of the Mount-Sinai / Beth Israel Hospital's Out Patient Treatment Program Melissa M. Freeman, MD, who highlighted this year's theme - "The Crisis in Black Education" - by sharing her family history and personal success story of following her grandfather's advice to making sure she went to college and received a good education.

Performing the Star Spangled Banner was accomplished vocalist Dominique Brown who gifted the audience with additional performances; and Levern "The Entertainer" Williams, who also sang and performed. Speakers included Dennis Gonzalez, HHS A/Regional Director; Tamara Brooks, NYC FEB Executive Director, Colonel David A. Caldwell, Commander, USACE; Ron Moss, HHS Regional Administrator, and our very own HUD D/Regional Administrator Mirza Orriols. HUD CPD's Melissa Lockley assisted with sign language interpretation.

Congratulations to organizers and participants for a truly informative and entertaining Black History Month celebration!

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