Congressman Ritchie Torres Hosts House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries for Bronx Community Conversation at New York Botanical Garden

Yesterday, Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15) welcomed House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) to the Bronx for an intimate conversation with local residents focused on delivering for working families and standing up to Donald Trump’s agenda in Washington.

Held at the New York Botanical Garden, the event brought together approximately 300 constituents for a candid, interview-style discussion about the challenges facing the Bronx and the work House Democrats are doing to push back against policies that threaten the community. The program also included the recognition of two Bronx community leaders whose lives of service reflect the strength and resilience of the borough. Photos of the event can be found here.

“As Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans drive up the cost of living for working families and slash federal funding for the programs that keep communities like the Bronx afloat, Leader Jeffries has been on the front lines standing up for our borough and nation,” said Rep. Torres. “At such a perilous moment in our history, the country is well served by his steady, tireless leadership. I was deeply honored to host him in the Bronx yesterday and am proud to call him both a colleague and a friend.”

“The great American journey is filled with examples of folks who knew how to get into Good Trouble and make it through the turbulence of their time, just like Congressman Ritchie Torres does today,” said Leader Jeffries. “It was an honor and a privilege to be in the Boogie Down Bronx with my friend and colleague Ritchie Torres, who continues to show up, stand up and speak up against the chaos, crisis and confusion being visited on our country by the Trump administration.”

During the event, Congressman Torres and Leader Jeffries honored Cheryl Marie Dewitt, Executive Director of the Williamsbridge Center, and Haji Dukuray, a longtime Bronx community advocate, for their extraordinary contributions to the borough.

Ms. Dewitt, a lifelong Bronxite affectionately known as “Ms. Dee,” has dedicated nearly four decades to serving children and families through early childhood education. Beginning as a substitute assistant teacher in 1986, she rose through the ranks to become Executive Director of the Williamsbridge Center in 1999, where she continues to lead today. Under her leadership, the center has weathered significant programmatic and funding changes while continuing to serve young children through a Department of Education Birth-to-Five contract. Ms. Dewitt has also been a fierce advocate for early childhood workers, serving as Bronx Borough Chair for her union and remaining deeply involved in civic life and community leadership.

Mr. Dukuray, who has called the Bronx home since immigrating from The Gambia in 1988, was recognized for his decades of community leadership and resilience. A founding board member of Sumpu Do Khatty USA and an executive committee member of the Bronx Islamic Cultural Center and its affiliates, Mr. Dukuray has worked tirelessly to uplift immigrant families and strengthen community ties. Following the horrific 2022 Twin Parks fire that claimed the lives of multiple members of his extended family, he emerged as a unifying force, bringing together grieving families, faith leaders, and elected officials to secure resources and support for those affected.