Bay Shore, NY - February 24, 2017 - New York State Senator Phil Boyle (R-C-I, Suffolk County) yesterday hosted his 5^th Annual Black History Month Awards Celebration at the Bay Shore – Brightwaters Public Library. This year’s event honored outstanding individuals from the 4^th Senate District for their personal and career achievements, positive influences, and community advocacy.

Senator Boyle said, “Black History Month allows us to honor the significant accomplishments of Black Americans and recognize the central role they have played in our nation’s history. I take great pride in the cultural diversity of New York’s 4^th State Senate District and I believe it is important to find ways to acknowledge the contributions that my constituents have made. Each of our distinguished honorees is an integral part of our community, and we applaud their commitments to civic engagement, education, health care, economic empowerment, and criminal justice.”

The Senator presented awards to 12 Black and African American citizens from the Towns of Babylon and Islip for their outstanding contributions to our community. The honorees were:

• Bobby Blassingame;
• Carol Wickliffe – Campbell;
• Kashawn Charles;
• Bryan Greaves;
• Janiyah Marshall;
• Jean Marshall Vaval;
• Tamy E. Martin;
• Falischa L. Jones – Moss;
• Wanda Faye Myers;
• Stacey A. Powell;
• Xavier Shelton; and
• Paul A. Soodoo.