County Board Observes Black History Month: Honors Kecia Palmer-Cousins

White Plains, NY — On Monday evening, the Westchester County Board of Legislators celebrated Black History and Heritage Month with a virtual ceremony lauding two trailblazers for minority women-owned businesses and racial equity, as well as honoring the legacy of the late Board of Elections Commissioner Reginald A. LaFayette.

Chairwoman Catherine Borgia (D – Briarcliff Manor, Cortlandt, Croton, Ossining, Peekskill) kicked off the ceremony, making reference to this year’s theme for Black History Month of Black Health and Wellness, and acknowledging the contributions of both women towards this effort.

She said, “Tonight we are honoring two remarkable women, Kecia Palmer-Cousins and Maria Dautruche, who in addition to their many contributions towards racial economic and social equity, have made great strides in the pursuit of this year’s theme – Kecia in her work as a wellness entrepreneur, and Maria, as co-founder of New Voices for Reproductive Justice.”

Leg. Colin Smith (D- Cortlandt, Peekskill, Yorktown) presented a proclamation to Kecia Palmer- Cousins, wellness entrepreneur, manufacturing engineer and business management consultant in Peekskill. She co-owns Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc., a Minority Women Business Enterprises (MWBE) certified business management and workforce development training company with her husband, Kevin Cousins. She also provides technical assistance and business coaching to MWBE’s, motivating them and helping them grow their businesses. In addition, she leads employee-assistance program training, workshops for non-profits and educational institutions, and is highly involved in community and civic activities.

Smith said, “I have personally known Kecia for nearly a decade now. During that time, I have worked alongside her many times and, time and again, have witnessed her tireless commitment to the local business community, particularly minority and women-owned businesses, many economic and social justice initiatives and, of course, our youth. Her desire to succeed is matched only by her love for her family. She is a shining example of success to her community and she is entirely deserving of this award.”

Palmer-Cousins said, “I graciously accept this award from Westchester County Legislator Smith and all the amazing, dedicated Westchester County Legislators. I thank them for their service and for recognizing me for the outstanding community service and advocacy that I provide patiently and lovingly to so many black and brown youth and minority and women-owned businesses throughout Westchester County. Every youth and business owner, especially African-Americans, want and deserve equal opportunity and access so they can survive and thrive personally and professionally. I accept this honor on behalf of and out of respect for all of them, as they work hard for equality and economic empowerment during this global COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Board declared February 11, 2022 “Kecia Palmer-Cousins Day” in the County of Westchester.

Watch the video presentation here: https://vimeo.com/673403249