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April showers bring May flowers. What do the May flowers bring? According to the New York Society for Ethical Culture, they bring truth, justice and the American way. The rain didn't stop those who gathered at the Central Park West location for the presentation of the Dr. Phyllis Harrison-Ross Public Service Awards to former U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr.
The setting, intimate yet prestigious, was most fitting for the event that brought out U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NewYork), who received the 2016 Rising Star Public Service Award; Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer, who made tribute remarks; President of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund Sherrilyn Ifill; New York City Law Department Corporation Counsel Zachary W. Carter; and author, commentator and Georgetown University professor Michael Eric Dyson. Also gracing the stage to give a special tribute was Congressman Charles B. Rangel, who attended the event, accompanied by his wife, Alma. Whether it was tracing their roots back to Barbados, growing up in Queens or passing through the halls of the justice department, each speaker praised and shared highlights of their relationship with Holder.
After humbly accepting his award, Holder sat down on stage for a brief one-on-one conversation with Harry Smith, correspondent for "NBC Nightly News," "Today" and " NBC Dateline." Holder shared that what has inspired him most throughout his career, when adversity sets in and challenges seem insurmountable, is remembering how hard the struggle has been for those...