The Westchester County Board of Legislators recognized its first Albanian Heritage Month on Monday, Oct. 8 with a special ceremony and video
presentation honoring children’s health advocate Albana Krasniqi of Yonkers, and prominent surgeon and telemedicine innovator, Dr. Rifat Latifi of Somers.
In his opening remarks, Chairman Ben Boykin said “in proclaiming November as Albanian Heritage Month in Westchester County, we salute and
recognize the meaningful contributions and exemplary citizenship Albanian-Americans have displayed in all walks of life– in politics, business, law enforcement, education, medicine, the arts and much more.”
“The Albanians are a singular people – strong, determined and independent,” Boykin said. “Their country has endured much turmoil and adversity, but yet they always move forward with their eye to a better future. Their value of hard work, integrity, family, and loyalty has served them well, both in their homeland and here in America, and their hands stretch across an ocean to help those in need in both communities.”
Legislator David Tubiolo presented the first proclamation. “As County Legislator for Yonkers and Mount Vernon, I am proud to be representing the highest concentration of Albanians in Westchester County,” Tubiolo said. “Today is a very special day and we are honoring a very special person, Albana Krasniqi, who grew up in Pristina, came to America to get her education and then came back to help the community that made her.”
Ms. Krasniqi thanked Tubiolo and the entire Board. “It is an honor to be among other successful and distinguished Albanian Americans who are being recognized for their contributions as we celebrate Albanian Heritage Month,”Krasniqi said. “I would also like to thank the Albanian American community for supporting my work with Gift of Life International. Your many generous donations helped to save the lives of over 200 children from Kosova.”
Legislator Vedat Gashi presented the second proclamation to Dr. Rifat Latifi. “When I was elected, I became the first Albanian-American to serve on the Board of Legislators, and while I am a proud American, I will never forget my Albanian roots,” Vedat said. “I have immense pride in taking part in the Board’s first celebration of Albanian-American Heritage Month. We have stars throughout the world in Albania, but we have a super star here in Westchester County, Dr. Rifat Latifi, who has an amazing record of accomplishment as a surgeon, author and telemedicine innovator.”
Latifi responded by saying, “Thank you for honoring me on the occasion of celebration of the month of Albanian Heritage. I am humbled and touched by
your generosity and honor. Today I come to accept this honor as recognition that belongs to my family, friends, my partners and many collaborators from
around the world, but particularly those in Kosova and Albania for the past work, but more importantly as an impetus and further inspiration to continue the
work that we started more than 20 years ago.” (Submitted)
