On January 6, 2002, the inauguration of the honorable C.Virgina Fields was held for her second term as President of the Borough of Manhattan at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was hosted by Cheryl Washington of Good Day New York, Fox 5 Television. There were performances from various artists including Monte Brown Dance Company and the Harlem School of the Arts.

Musical selections included Police Officer Carl Dixon, mezzo soprano Barbra Conrad and Wynton Marsalis along with the members of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Remarks were given by Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, United States Senator Charles Schumer the New York State Comptroller, Carl McCall. There were also guest appearances by Reverend Jesse Jackson and New York Governor George Pataki.

C. Virginia Fields' experience as a chair of Community Board 10 led her to seek public office and was elected to city council in 1989. Fields became the first African-American woman to represent a Manhattan district. She served in the council for nine years until 1997, when she was elected Manhattan Borough President. She was re-elected in November for a second four year term.

She has served twelve pleasing and successful years as an activist in office and is effectively heading wide-ranging initiatives to improve the lives of New Yorkers of every age and income. Fields says from her earliest days in public service, her 'priorities have been education, economic development, including transportation and environment, affordable housing, senior issues and health care.'

"Our borough President is one of our best and considers New York's great diversity of cultural institutions large or small to be vitally important factors in the city's health, she is a blessing to elect officials and the people of Manhattan. She realizes there is life beyond ninety-six street' stated Charles Schumer during his remarks.

C. Virginia Fields said she is, "very pleased and honored to serve Manhattan for the next four years" and realizes that we the people are the "sprit and strength of New York." Fields added that, "Friendship and family have taken on new meanings since the twin towers were felled and the people of New York were plunged into a shadow of grief." Nevertheless, she is ready to "build on the spirit of operation," realizing "We can do more with less." The re-elected Manhattan Borough president said she, "Stands ready to help identify the way."