Garden City, NY – On Friday, February 27, at 10:00A.M, Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages visited The Waldorf School of Garden City for a special Black History Month program focused on leadership, justice, and youth civic engagement.

During her visit, Assemblywoman Solages provided a reflection on the meaning of Black History Month as a means to connect the past, present, and future and shared her experiences as a member of the Historic Firsts in New York State Government.

The Assemblywoman also discussed her individual journey as an elected official, the significance of representation, and her experiences in high school that developed her confidence and sense of purpose.

She also touched on the need for AI legislation, stating that “I think that we're going to lose the art of humanity if we just act at the behest of emerging technology.”

Assemblywoman Solages highlighted her involvement in reparations legislation at the state level in New York and how this work will address and transform the legacy of chattel slavery, Jim Crow, mass incarceration, and the war on drugs, through the transformation of systemic disparities in education, health care, and the justice system.

The Assemblywoman explained the purpose of her work as a legislator in New York's state legislature, sharing her session work time in Albany from January through June, as well as her work from June through December in her district, where her focus is on Community Outreach, Constituent Services, and Local Events.

"Every aspect of our life is impacted by government," said Assemblywoman Solages. "There are many thoughtful and kindhearted young people who will help to shape the policies and systems that will impact the future of New York State. Today's conversation at The Waldorf School of Garden City was part of this ongoing effort to motivate and encourage the next generation of leaders."

“The legislative process is about relationships, and you have to build trust, and you have to build leadership,” the Assemblywoman added.

“The Assemblywoman’s visit has awoken something new on campus,” said Tiffany Williams, Director of Development at The Waldorf School of Garden City. “Hearing her story established an interpersonal connection that reminds us that our elected officials are accessible, engaged, and advocating for our communities. Her visit invited students to consider how leadership and responsibility shape communities and how their own voices matter.”

The visit ended with Assemblywoman Solages encouraging young people to envision themselves as candidates, staff members, or community leaders, and to remain engaged and involved in building a just and equitable New York.