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Peekskill honors six Black History Month honorees at Feb. 24 ceremony
Summary
The Common Council presented Black History Month proclamations on Feb. 24 recognizing six local residents for community service, education and volunteer work; honorees included a Peekskill Housing Authority tenant commissioner, school principal and longtime community organizers.
The City of Peekskill recognized six residents as 2025 Black History Month honorees during a Feb. 24 ceremony that preceded the council meeting. Mayor Vivian C. McKenzie, read proclamations honoring Dawn Benson, Rhonda Getter, Donald Peters, Meredith Ross, Therese (Teresa) Wood Chang and Carol Dunkley for community leadership and public service.
Dawn Benson was commended for her work as a tenant commissioner for the Peekskill Housing Authority and for organizing senior luncheons and holiday giving. Donald Peters was noted for his role as principal of Peekskill Middle School and for receiving proclamations from the New York State Senate and the Westchester County Board of Legislators. Meredith Ross was recognized for her 37-year career and volunteer leadership, and Therese Wood Chang for her 22 years with the Peekskill City School District and scholarship work. Carol Dunkley, known locally as "Butterfly Tia," was cited for founding community initiatives including the Butterfly Wings Foundation.
Honorees briefly addressed the audience. As the planning director introduced Carol Dunkley's recognition, Dunkley said, "With God in the midst, all things are possible." Therese Wood Chang spoke about her work with students and scholarship efforts, saying she's "found in the 22 years working at Peekskill City School District that my gifts are creativity" and service.
The ceremonial portion concluded with a photo and a reception; the council reconvened the public meeting scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
