Praising Quiet Contributions Making Rockland A Better Place

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Rockland County Legislators are celebrating Black History Month by honoring residents whose contributions make the community better.

On behalf of the entire Legislature, Chairman Toney L. Earl (D-Hillcrest) thanked Brenda Ross of Nanuet, Judith Johnson of New Hempstead and Nathan Mungin III of New City for their important work.

“Rockland County is fortunate to be the home of many dedicated individuals whose efforts have improved the lives of their fellow residents,” Earl said in a statement. “We honor these individuals who have quietly made great contributions but who are usually not in the lime light.

“We thank Brenda for discovering and sharing the rich history of African-Americans in Rockland County and for telling our stories,” Earl said. “We thank Judith for her advocacy and commitment to securing quality education for the children of Rockland County. We thank Nathan for his service as a mentor, role model and parental figure for the children of Spring Valley.”

Ross is author of a critically acclaimed novel, “Bibsy,” which tells the story of heartbreak and loss while providing a historical account of the lives of African-Americans in Rockland County in the 1950’s. The story captures Rockland’s transformation from a rural community to a suburb after the construction of the Tappan Zee Bridge. Ross used local historical resources and anecdotes from Rockland residents to brilliantly recreate valuable history which was previously unknown.

Johnson has served on New York State Board of Regents, where she represents Rockland County, since her appointment in 2015. Johnson is a strong voice and advocate for equity in education for all children. She is a trusted and respected educational leader who can bring diverse parties to agreement on shared goals that benefit all students.

Mungin is the Executive Director of the Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center. “Brother Nathan,” as he is popularly known in the community, leads the center and ensures that there is a place in Spring Valley where children can find safety, support and fun in an educational and nurturing environment.

Also participating in the Legislature’s Black History Month celebration Tuesday night was Army Veteran and 1996 Buffalo Soldier Recipient Grady Anderson Jr., who led the Pledge of Allegiance and offered the Invocation. He is also a Deacon at First Baptist Church in Spring Valley.

PHOTO: Chairman Toney L. Earl, Brenda Ross, Judith Johnson, Mungin and Legislator Aney Paul/ contributed