As News 12 celebrates Black History Month, we are highlighting the everyday work of one Bronx resident whose job it is to keep our city clean.  

Perley Solomon has been with the New York City Department of Sanitation for 7 1/2 years after his father recommended this career path for its job stability, benefits and room for growth.  

Solomon comes from a long line of civil service workers, and his uncle has been with the Sanitation Department for over 30 years.  

“Knowing that I’m getting paid to serve the community, that’s a lot of purpose,” said Solomon. “If we don’t do our jobs in a matter of weeks, you’ll see that the city’s greatly impacted with garbage in the streets with the rodent problem.” 

As News 12 continues to celebrate the achievements of African Americans, it’s important to also commend the service of everyday heroes whose work often go unnoticed. 

“Martin Luther King’s last speech was in Memphis. He was helping Black sanitation workers on strike to earn equal wages,” said Solomon. “A lot of people think you have to be an athlete or a musician or an actor… if you do the small things every day, you can do something extraordinary.” 

Solomon’s plan is to continue to serve his community by establishing a nonprofit to generate local community growth.  Solomon is also a 35-year-old expecting dad.