January 29, 2018

Warren Announces Councilor Jean Bradley Derenoncourt as Guest for State of the Union

Washington, DC - United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) today announced that Brockton City Councilor-At-Large Jean Bradley Derenoncourt will be her guest to President Trump's State of the Union address on January 30, 2018. In November 2017, Councilor Derenoncourt became the first Haitian-American man elected to public office in the Commonwealth.

"I'm honored that Jean Bradley will be my guest for the State of the Union. His story embodies American values of hard work, service, and persistence," said Senator Warren. "After the earthquake tore through Haiti, Jean Bradley didn't lose hope. Brockton became his home - and he dedicated himself to fighting for a Massachusetts that works for everybody."

"As an immigrant from Haiti, who arrived in this country a little more than seven years ago, I recognize the importance of this moment in our shared history, and I am proud and privileged to represent our communities as the first Haitian-American man elected to public office in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts," said Councilor Derenoncourt. "So much of my inspiration has come from Senator Warren, whose work, spirit, and rigorous dedication has served as a model for public service. I am honored to be her guest at the State of the Union address."

Councilor Jean Bradley Derenoncourt was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and spent his childhood on the Haitian island of La Gonave. After the devastating earthquake in 2010, he immigrated to the United States and settled in Brockton.

In his short time in the United States, Councilor Derenoncourt has done significant public service work for the City of Brockton and the Commonwealth. He worked as an intern for former Mayor Linda Balzotti, and as an intern in the Constituent Services office for former Governor Deval Patrick. He currently serves as a staff member for State Senator Michael D. Brady of Brockton as director of Constituent Services.

Councilor Derenoncourt was instrumental in the campaign for earned sick time for workers in the Commonwealth in his position as Regional Field Director for Raise Up Massachusetts.  He also served as an organizer for the Coalition for Social Justice and a member of the Board of Trustees at Brockton Public Library.

In 2016, Councilor Derenoncourt became a United States Citizen. In November 2017, he became the first Haitian-American man elected to public office in the Commonwealth.

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