Leake & Watts Biondi School Honors New Rochelle Resident Hugh B. Price during Black History Month

Pictured in photo (l.-r): Al Grimes, assistant principal for the Biondi School and a 2012 Wall of Fame honoree; New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins; Wall of Fame Honoree Hugh B. Price; and Alan Mucatel, executive director of Leake & Watts. Sen. Stewart-Cousins also presented Mr. Price with a proclamation declaring February 26th Hugh B. Price day. Photo by Andrew Jones

New Rochelle resident Hugh B. Price, a lifelong advocate of advancing education and economic opportunities for African-Americans, was inducted into the Leake & Watts Biondi School Black History Wall of Fame in a ceremony held at the school’s Yonkers campus on Friday, February 26th. The event drew leadership and students from The Biondi School, as well as New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Stewart-Cousins also presented Mr. Price with a official proclamation declaring February 26th Hugh B. Price Day.

Dr. Don Antonecchia, Superintendent of Leake and Watts (Leake & Watts) Services’ education programs, presented The Biondi School distinction to Mr. Price, former president and CEO of the National Urban League and a powerful expert voice on poverty, education, and employment for African-Americans.

“Throughout his career, Hugh B. Price has worked directly and indirectly to shape policies and public opinion to improve the lives of African-Americans,” explained Dr. Antonecchia. “From working in inner city organizations like the Black Coalition, to advocating for educational opportunities for at-risk youth as vice president of The Rockefeller Foundation, to leading the National Urban League for nine years, Mr. Price has used his great expertise and influence to make a meaningful difference in the community. He is a positive, powerful role model for African-American youth.”

Mr. Price’s induction marks the fifth year that The Biondi School has commemorated Black History Month by honoring accomplished African-Americans who have made significant contributions to society. Previous recipients of the award include New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (pictured above); civil rights attorney Mayo Bartlett, co-founder of Safe Passage; and Biondi School Assistant Principal Al Grimes (pictured above), a member of the first African-American college relay team to win the National Invitational Two Mile Event.

Leake & Watts’ Biondi School serves students K-12 whose ability to learn is affected by an emotional, cognitive, or other barrier. It is a fully accredited non-public school that provides year-round specialized education services. It is one of 40-plus Leake & Watts programs serving more than 8,000 children, adults, and families in The Bronx, Westchester County, Northern Manhattan, and Brooklyn.