Councilmember Melissa Mark-Viverito and Senator Jose M. Serrano honored two local leaders from the East Harlem community for Black History Month.  This year’s honorees were Dr. Sean P. Gardner, Jr., Senior Pastor/Chief Executive Officer of East Ward  Missionary Baptist Church and John Ruiz, District Leader of the 68^th Assembly District, Retired NYC Firefighter, and Founder of the Fireman Fire Safety School Program.

“It is with great pleasure that I stand with Councilmember Melissa Mark-Viverito to acknowledge these two outstanding East Harlem community leaders,” said Senator Serrano. “Black History Month is an opportunity for us to celebrate individuals who make daily contributions to their communities, and I'm honored to have the opportunity to acknowledge our 2012 honorees."