Congressman Lawler Announces 2026 Black History Month Changemakers At Annual Ceremony

Orangeburg, N.Y. - 2/6/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) hosted his annual Black History Month Changemakers Awards, recognizing members of the Black community from across the 17th District for their outstanding contributions to the district. The event celebrated the honorees' achievements and their ongoing efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. The ceremony coincides with Black History Month, which began on February 1st and was held at Dominican University.

"It was an honor to recognize some of the extraordinary individuals who make our communities stronger, more compassionate, and more vibrant every single day. These are the leaders, the trailblazers, and the quiet heroes who lift up our neighbors and strengthen our communities across Dutchess, Rockland, Putnam, and Westchester Counties," said Congressman Lawler.

This year's Black Changemakers are:

• Alicia Briley
• Brandon Smith
• Brian Austin
• Dr. Clement Osei
• Cynthia Vaughan-Williams
• David Johnson
• Dr. Edmund Gordon
• Dr. Nathaniel Demosthene
• Elena Lavalas
• Jackenton Lavalasse
• Lateasha Stapleton
• Pastor Keith Fray
• Piaget Solpiaget
• Rahman Dukes

B-roll of the event can be found HERE.

Photos of the event can be found HERE.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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