Black History Month

Dear Colleagues,

February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the major contributions African Americans have made to all facets of American life, from the advancement of equal rights to excellence in the arts and sciences. We remember those who came before us, whose perseverance in the face of adversity continues to inspire. And we honor all those who carry on their work today.

As President Barack Obama said, “We choose hope over fear. We see the future not as something out of our control, but as something we can shape for the better through concerted and collective effort . . . We choose to work for the world as it should be, as our children deserve it to be.” This is why we do public service. We believe we can have an impact on our communities and our city.

Our new NYCHA Changemakers initiative recognizes this spirit among our colleagues – like Shavelle Knox, a caretaker at LaGuardia Houses, and Resident Engagement Community Coordinator Makeba Price – who are committed to creating meaningful change for our residents every day by building on the Authority’s core values of safety, collaboration, and respect.

In honor of Black History Month, inspired by both our past and present, let us all renew our commitment to preserve and protect public housing for the 1 in 14 New Yorkers who call NYCHA home.

Onward,

Shola Olatoye

Chair & CEO