It was a virtual homecoming for Dr. Anthony Fauci Tuesday. Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams recognized Fauci, who was born in Brooklyn, for his work as the country’s leading infectious disease expert. 

Fauci spoke to the crowd via Zoom.

“Whenever people ask me how I put up with all the stuff that goes on in Washington, I have two words for them, it’s called Brooklyn strong,“ Fauci said.

What You Need To Know

  • Dr Anthony Fauci was one of more than 180 people honored at Brooklyn Borough Hall Tuesday

  • Fauci addressed the crowd via Zoom, saying a vaccine is coming soon

  • The honorees were recognized for doing everything from collecting money to help feed people in need to raising awareness about domestic violence

The Bensonhurst native was one of more than 180 Brooklynites honored as “Brooklyn COVID Heroes” for going above and beyond during the pandemic.

Eleven-year-old Prince was honored for helping to buy food for those in need. He raised money for the food by hosting a virtual game party for kids.

“The thought I got is, there are people on the streets who don’t have what other people have,” Prince explained.

Two years ago, Seema Aghera co-founded the non-profit Brooklyn Book Bodega.

It promotes book ownership for children who can’t afford their own books. During the pandemic, the group has given away 25,000 books and counting.

“Books just take kids to a different world. They can open their imagination,” said Aghera. “They can escape out to a world that’s not here during the pandemic.”

The non-profit Sisters Building Sisters in Brooklyn has been doing many things during the pandemic, including raising awareness about domestic violence.

“Domestic violence kills. It destroys. It repeats itself generation after generation and it doesn’t have respect of a person,“ said founder Rosalyn McIntosh.

Each of these honorees found different ways to help the city during the pandemic, each an example of New Yorkers pulling together during a crisis.