A national leader, with Hudson Valley roots, shared his message of hope and racial equality with students at Leake and Watts, the Biondi School in Yonkers today.

Dr. Hugh Price, a New Rochelle resident, was honored today for his lifelong battle for justice and racial equality.

His acceptance speech included words of encouragement, and the importance of continuing education. "Please absorb everything your are learning and what you are being exposed today so you make sure you have a "Plan A" to move forward in life," says Price.

Dr. Price becomes the fifth honoree to be included on the School's Black History Wall of Fame. His image joins those of other African-Americans, including State Sen. Andrea Steward-Cousins, who also declared this day today as "Hugh Price Day."

The event was part of Black History Month and was celebrated with music, poetry and a stirring rendition of Dr. Martin Luther King's final speech on April 3, 1968.