2021 Honorees
Eunice Solomon
Eunice Solomon was born and raised in Riegelwood, North Carolina on June 30, 1948. She relocated to Mount Vernon, New York in 1967. In 1969, she met and married James Solomon, Sr. and they began planting their roots in the great city of Mount Vernon. They have been married for over 52 years. Mrs. Solomon is the proud mother of 6 adult children, 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. As a Homemaker she has been blessed to not only be able to care for her family, but to open her doors to so many individuals in the community. There are numerous numbers of children that have been nurtured and cared for throughout the years by “Mommy Solomon” as she has been named. She absolutely loves the Lord! Mrs. Solomon currently serves as a Deaconess at the White Rock Baptist Church where her family have worshipped for over 35 years. She is known in the community for her “Southern Hospitality and Charm,” heartwarming smile and scrumptious down-home meals. Mrs. Solomon loves to socialize and be amongst friends and family.
One of her greatest experiences in Mount Vernon occurred during the Spring of 2019, when she met likeminded individuals from a walking group. In the past, she has been known to walk from time to time, but the We Run Mount Vernon group motivated her to get back out there on a regular basis. The group is composed of individuals from various walks of life, with one thing in common; wanting to get their bodies in motion. They faithfully meet at Hartley Park every Saturday morning and Monday evening. Everyone participates at their own pace, and no one is ever left behind. Through this group Mrs. Solomon has been able to create new friendships and relationships, by talking, laughing and encouraging others.
Mrs. Solomon has even been able to inspire her family. Her son in Atlanta, Georgia and her daughter in Baltimore, Maryland are regular walkers, now. Her 13-year-old granddaughter Jayana even enjoys the movement/fellowship and occasionally participates. Mrs. Solomon even managed to surprise herself by walking back and forth across the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, a total of 6.2 miles, with family and friends.
Eunice Solomon fully supports the efforts of We Run Mount Vernon and encourages everyone to do the same and take part in this movement. She believes this group encourages all to become more active, healthy and socially connected, while enjoying the beauty of our Mount Vernon Community. She is forever grateful to We Run Mount Vernon for helping her to achieve new goals and extend her family.
Hiver LeBlanc
Posthumous Honoree
Hiver LeBlanc was passionate about Walking all of his life! He used every opportunity to fit Walking into his daily routine. It was a passion he developed as a young boy growing up in the Caribbean. He was born on the beautiful island of Dominica which is eloquently referred to as: The Nature Isle of the Caribbean. He was the eldest of Imelda and O’Neal LeBlanc’s children. He was an excellent student and loved math. He left his parent’s home at a very young age to attend the Island’s well-known private school, “The Saint Mary’s Academy.” Hiver was so exceptionally gifted that at 15 years old he was an instructor, teaching at the Academy. He earned a scholarship to the United States to pursue a degree in the studies of Mathematics.
In the 1960’s Hiver emigrated to the United States and attended IONA College in New Rochelle on full academic scholarship. It was there he developed a love for programming and began working on the College’s room sized computers. Upon graduation with his degree in Mathematics, Hiver settled into family life and had four wonderful children: Hiver Jr., Danielle, Simone and Nicole. He was the proud grandfather of Ananda, who was the apple of his eye. And he was overjoyed to learn he’d be blessed with a second grandchild, Lila. He was a man of strong faith. It was his deep faith that sustained him through many of life’s challenges, including the loss of his gifted and talented only son, who died unexpectedly. He survived this tragedy and transformed that grief into a lifetime of service. His Volunteerism included, working at the Nursing Home-Our Lady Queen of Martyrs. Hiver mentored At Risk Youths and served as Father-figure to many that crossed his path. He was known as “The Philosopher” among his peers.
Hiver battled with cancer, but it did not stop him from his daily Walk which he did from the World Trade Center to South Street Seaport. He admired his Sister-in-Law Nelda’s many running adventures and her initiative to create the WE RUN MT VERNON RUN/WALK group. He supported his daughters Danielle and Simone who ran NYRR events. He was reliable and was always at the finish to cheer them on. Health is part of the Legacy he left his children. It is an integral part of their lives, Nicole is a Certified YOGA instructor integrating Yoga, Meditation and Dance movement. We all imagine Hiver taking daily Walks in heaven, wearing his signature look, always with a Smile; just as he did here on earth!