Inaugural Hamilton Award Presented To Haitian-Born, NYC Lawmaker

Hamilton Immigrant Achievement Award Recipients – L-R: Councilmembers Margaret Chin and Mathieu Eugene, widow of Richard Rescorla Susan Rescorla and Adrian Flannelly. (Arthur Piccolo image)

By NAN Contributor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. July 4, 2016: A Haitian-born New York City Councilman was on Sunday presented with the first Alexander Hamilton Immigrant Achievement Award.

Councilmember Dr. Mathieu Eugene yesterday received the award from The Lower Manhattan Historical Society. The awards ceremony was held at the Federal Hall National Monument on Wall Street, the place where the nation’s first capitol stood and where George Washington became the US’ first President.

Also presented with the first annual Alexander Hamilton Immigrant Achievement Award yesterday were NYC Councilmember Margaret Chin; the late Richard Rescorla, and Irish American leader Adrian Flannelly.

“This new Award will become synonymous with the celebration of July 4th not only in New York City but far beyond, and already is  the finest moment in the brief existence of the Lower Manhattan Historic Society,” said  LMHS President James Kaplan.

Dr. Mathieu Eugene made history by becoming the first Haitian-born official elected to the New York City Council in 2007.  He was also the first to win his seat overwhelmingly in two special elections just a few months apart, causing some to dub him “The Haitian Sensation.” He represents the 40th Councilmatic district in Brooklyn, NY.

Hamilton was a America’s greatest immigrant. He was the Founding Father of the United States, chief staff aide to General George Washington, one of the most influential interpreters and promoters of the U.S. Constitution. He was born in Nevis in the Caribbean.