(Long Island, NY) Hundreds of children from Merrick Academy, a charter school in Queens, will learn about overcoming the challenges of being handicapped and the difficulties of getting a proper education from the first African American Governor of New York, David A. Paterson, who will deliver the school’s 2015 commencement address on Thursday, June 25, 2015 at 10:00 am.
Governor Paterson had many obstacles in his pursuit of an education and a political career. A childhood infection caused him to lose his sight, but despite being blind, he was a top scholar and became an attorney in the Queens DA’s office before launching his political career. As senate minority leader, he was the first African-American legislative leader in New York’s history and is also the first visually impaired person to address the Democratic National Convention. Mr. Paterson is a member of the Democratic National Committee and an outspoken advocate for the American Foundation for the Blind. Despite his handicap, Paterson is an avid runner and has completed the New York City Marathon.
WHEN:
- Thursday, June 25, 2015 at 10 AM
WHERE:
- Merrick Academy
136-25 218th Street
Springfield Gardens, Queens, NYC
