On Sunday, September 28th, elected officials, community leaders, family, friends and Senate District 19 (SD 19) constituents gathered at the South Shore Educational Complex auditorium, at 6565 Flatlands Avenue, for a “Cultural Showcase” that celebrated State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud’s 10 years of service in the NYS Legislature.
The event was replete with live performances and cultural presentations that reflected the diversity and vibrancy of the communities in SD 19. Guests were serenaded by The Performing Arts and Technology High School (PATHS) Orchestra, as they were ushered into the auditorium. The function which followed was emceed by Kamla Millwood, an author and a recipient of the NYS Senate 2025 “Women of Distinction” award.
The ceremony commenced with the entry of My Brother’s Keeper Color Guards, followed by a smiling, jovial Persaud, who was greeted with great applause. After the American and Guyanese National Anthems were sung, The Very Reverend Edward R. Kane of Holy Family-St. Laurence Parish, Rabbi Avrohom Hecht of the Jewish Community Council of Canarsie and Dr. Roshone Ault-Lee, elder of Consuming Fire Ministries International Inc., said invocations and asked for blessings and continued success for the senator and all present.
Attendees were then regaled with dances performed by Bengali Performing Arts, P.S. 276, Vandalia Older Adult Center and a Tropical Fete stilt walker. Other entertainment comprised a fashion show, poetry recitals, including Phenomenal Woman (a tribute to Persaud), folk and gospel singing, and drumming. Numerous raffles were also drawn. P.S./I.S. 66 Blue Jays steel pannists and DJ “Chinee Golden Touch” provided musical interludes throughout.
In her remarks, Persaud first gave credit to her country of birth. “Always remember where you’re from,” she told her guests. “Before I became this New State Senator who has United States citizenship, I was born in Georgetown, Guyana. It gave me the foundation for everything that I do today,” the senator stated with pride. She also thanked her designer for the stunning custom-made gown she wore.
She then announced some of her accomplishments since taking office in 2016. Over $30 million in grants were awarded to organizations in SD 19 or to those that serve SD 19 constituents. “I’m proud to support local community-based organizations that lift up young people, protect our vulnerable neighbors and help all New Yorkers to thrive,” the senator stated.
Persaud, who chairs the NYS Social Services Committee, also spoke briefly about achievements she made in that area. She sponsored bills which provide feminine hygiene products, at no cost, to individuals in correctional facilities; allow judges in New York to now offer a lesser prison sentence to victims of domestic violence, who were convicted of a crime that was influenced by domestic abuse; amended social services laws to replace the phrase “mentally retarded” with “individuals with a developmental disability.”
Senators Jamaal Bailey (SD 36), Siela Bynoe (SD 6) and Lea Webb (SD 52); Assemblywoman Jaime Williams (AD 59); and Councilmembers Farah Louis (CD 45) and Christopher Banks (CD 42) joined the senator on stage and gave brief remarks before presenting her with a proclamation and a bouquet of flowers. Williams thanked Persaud for her “passion, dedication and commitment in serving not just us here, but our entire community.” A pride of District 20 K-1 Lions, including Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club, of which Persaud is a member, also presented the senator with a bouquet.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman, Community Board 18 District Manager Sue Ann Partnow and 69th Precinct Lieutenant Donald Louis were among a host of well-wishers who sent greetings to the senator, via video.
During the event, Persaud introduced the staff from her District Office at 1222 East 96th Street. She also took time to acknowledge a 106-year-old constituent and fellow Guyana native, Doris Fordyce, who came out to celebrate with the senator.
After a vote of thanks by SD 19 staffers Sandy Miller and Alex Cuevas, the extravaganza concluded with a benediction by Reverend Gesner Sagesse of Community Christian Church of New York.
