As coronavirus restrictions are slowly being lifted and slightly larger gatherings are, once again, being held, Assemblyman Victor Pichardo and District Leader Yudelka Tapia, recently co-hosted an event honoring various mothers for their service to the community in University Heights. Both organizers represent the 86th A.D. in The Bronx.

Held outdoors in Devoe Park at West Fordham Road and Andrews Avenue on Saturday, May 15, a few dozen community members sat side by side on lawn chairs under a tent, to observe the proceedings. Some chose not to wear face masks following the recent easing of CDC guidelines, as announced recently by President Joe Biden.

Honored at the event were local residents, Kpoto Kpana, Angela Salazar, Elaine Grays Watts, Rachel Miller Bradshaw, president of Northwest Bronx Democrats for Change, and Myrna Calderon, member of Bronx Community Board 7. Each was presented with New York State Assembly Proclamations recognizing their individual contributions to the local community.

In addition to the proclamations, the awardees were also each presented with a bouquet of roses.

Pichardo and Tapia were joined at the event by Fernando Cabrera, District 14 city councilman and candidate for Bronx borough president, as well as attorney, Angel Cruz, who is currently running for a Bronx Civil Court judgeship.

Sources told the Norwood News that outgoing Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. was a no show at the event as he was likely tied up with the finale of the Bronx Week 2021 festivities. Brooklyn Borough President and New York City mayoral candidate, Eric Adams, was also a no show.

The event was originally scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 8, the day before Mother’s Day, but was postponed due to rain.