February 27th, 2014 -- New York City Public Advocate Letitia “Tish” James and New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark Viverito, hosted a Celebration of Black History Month alongside members of the Black Latino and Asian Caucus. The event took place in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
Honorees presented with proclamations included, 2013 Democrat mayoral candidate Bill Thompson. The Executive Director of District Council 37 Lillian Roberts. President of the NAACP New York State Conference, Hazel Dukes. Each recipient of the proclamation shared their profound joy and pride for receiving the honor, as well as reminiscing on their journeys leading up to them becoming prominent figures in their urban communities.
Among the honorees, Avra Rice stood out due to her sincere speech when she received her proclamation from the Public Advocate. Rice expressed the pride and responsibility she felt to be apart of the Black History celebration. She also shed light on the fact that her older brother recently graduated college, after he dropped out 30 years ago. So, in essence, she and her brother completed the cycle by fulfilling their parents’ goal of making sure that all four of their children attended college. Her brother serves as a driving force for her to continue to pour all of her resources and strength into the New York Urban League, which has donated over $20 million dollars in scholarships to college students.
Other awards and honors Rice has received include: “Forty Under 40” an award from The Network Journal for Black achievers, a Community Award from NV Magazine, and “25 Most Influential Women in Business” award from the Network Journal. Not only is the Northwestern University graduate a solid example of an influential woman, she is also a fine example of what all female minorities should strive to become.