Roxbury, MA Cruz Companies president John Cruz, III received the Black Family Legacy Award from at-large city councilor Ayanna Pressley during the city council’s recent Black History Month celebration. 

Shown (from left) are: councilor Pressley; Cruz Companies president John Cruz, III; Cruz Management director Justin Cruz; councilor Campbell; and Cruz Development senior vice president Dan Cruz.

“Although many are unaware, there are black families who’ve lived in Boston and have been making civic contributions for generations,” said councilor Pressley. “I am excited to honor John Cruz of Cruz Companies, as they represent our past, present and future.”

Cruz was among the prominent local black families honored at the event, which was held late February at the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building in Roxbury and sponsored by councilors Pressley, Tito Jackson and Andrea Campbell.

Cruz Cos. is one of the largest and oldest minority-owned companies in the region, responsible for landmark construction and development projects. Cruz Management Co. manages over 1,200 units of rental housing. Cruz Cos.’ mission is giving back to the community through increasing housing opportunities, providing construction jobs to area residents and maximizing contracting opportunities for other minority businesses.