A local trailblazer in the African American community was honored by the Village of Haverstraw Monday.

Virginia Norfleet, founder of the Haverstraw African American Connection, was recognized for her work surrounding Black history in Rockland County.

That work includes a historical marker for the county's first African American church and working on a new museum.

Norfleet's organization also donated everything from masks to laptops to her community throughout the pandemic.

She's earned over 60 awards, including recognition from former President Barack Obama and an induction into the Civil Rights Hall of Fame. "I'm humbled by the fact that out of all the people in the world, I would be the person to tell this story and, in particular, a story that was silenced for 400 years. I know who I am, but I'm learning who I am, because every day this story evolves more and more," says Norfleet.

As for what's next, Norfleet is bringing the Harriet Tubman sculpture called "Journey to Freedom" to Rockland from April 19 through June 7.

Norfleet will also be participating in a virtual event on Tuesday about Jewish and African American relations called Better Together. Its being hosted by the Haverstraw African American Connection and the Holocaust Museum at 12:30 p.m.  For more information, click here.