The Bronx is celebrating Black History Month with Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson for the third straight year.

The celebration was an open invite for all Bronx residents to come and honor Black culture and history. The night kicked off with dancing, food and a speech from keynote speaker Jennifer Jones Austin.

Attorney General Letitia James also delivered a speech of her own that was met with a standing ovation.

Four longtime Bronx residents were honored for their contributions to their respective communities, and Gibson said that tonight isn’t only about celebration but to talk about the challenges that Black people still face.

"Black history is American history, you can't talk about American history without recognizing the contributions of so many prominent African Americans,” said Gibson. “I'm so proud as a first myself to stand on the broad shoulders of those who have come before me and paved the way."

Gibson says that her office is planning additional Black History Month events throughout the borough, including in Co-op City and Concourse Village.