Haverstraw, NY – Virginia “Ginny” Norfleet, an advocate for African American history and community empowerment, has been named Senator Bill Weber’s 2025 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction. The honor recognizes her lifelong commitment to education, preservation, and revitalization efforts in Rockland County.
As the Founder and Executive Director of the Haverstraw African American Connection (HAAC), a nonprofit dedicated to uncovering and celebrating African American heritage, Norfleet has played a pivotal role in ensuring that the stories of the past are acknowledged and shared with future generations. Since establishing HAAC in 2008, she has worked tirelessly to integrate African American history into schools, libraries, and community organizations throughout the county.
Born the youngest of nine children in Haverstraw, Norfleet faced significant economic challenges growing up but overcame them to build a successful career in real estate. Her entrepreneurial skills, however, have been just one part of her journey—her true passion lies in historical preservation and social activism.
One of her most notable accomplishments has been the transformation of a once-neglected and drug-ridden area on Clinton Street into the Haverstraw African American Memorial Park. With the help of volunteers and neighbors, she turned the space into a landmark of cultural significance, honoring the contributions of African Americans to the region.
Norfleet’s research has also uncovered pre-Revolutionary African American roots in Rockland County, leading to partnerships with institutions such as the Rockland Holocaust Museum and Center for Tolerance and Education. Her collaboration with the museum resulted in the creation of an exhibit on American slavery, further broadening public awareness of local Black history.
In recognition of her tireless efforts, Norfleet was inducted into the Rockland County Civil Rights Hall of Fame in 2019 and was honored by the Town of Haverstraw during Black History Month in 2021. Now, as she receives this prestigious recognition from the New York State Senate, her impact continues to grow.
“Virginia Norfleet has devoted her life to preserving African American history in Rockland County while fostering greater awareness and unity in the community,” said Weber. “Virginia’s contributions to advocacy and education make her the right recipient for this honor.”
Norfleet will be formally honored at a special recognition event in Albany on May 13, 2025, alongside other distinguished women nominated by state senators across New York.