| Releases & Statements
For Immediate Release: February 22,
2006
Contact: Frank Sobrino, Press Secretary
O: 212.669.4193; C: 646.250.4322
Public Advocate Betsy
Gotbaum, in conjunction with City Council Speaker Christine Quinn,
Council Member Inez E. Dickens and special guest David N. Dinkins,
honored six distinguished community leaders during an African
American History Month celebration held in the City Council Chambers
at City Hall. Former New York State Comptroller H. Carl McCall
served as the evening's master of ceremonies.
Gotbaum was joined by the the Council's Black, Latino and Asian
Caucus during the "Celebration of African American History,
Culture, and Achievement."
"The leaders honored tonight have all made important contributions
to their communities and professions," Gotbaum said. "Each
of our boroughs has vibrant African American communities represented
here tonight by these six community leaders."
"It gives me great pleasure to honor all of these unique
individuals who walk in the footsteps of Martin, Malcolm and Coretta,”
said Council Member Inez E. Dickens. “They build positive
futures for our children and serve their communities with excellence
each and every day."
"The spectrum of talent and achievement represented by this
year's honorees is truly cause for celebration,” said Council
Member Robert Jackson, Chairman of the Black, Latino, and Asian
Caucus. “All New Yorkers are enriched by their distinctive
contributions to the Big Apple."
The honorees represent a cross-section of cultural, community,
religious and business leaders from across the city. They are:
Andrew P. Jackson (Sekou Molefi Baako), has served as Executive
Director of Queens Library's Langston Hughes Community Library
and Cultural Center for the past 25 years. Currently serving as
Training, Development, and Operations Consultant to the Roosevelt
Public Library, he is a published author and essayist, lecturer
and adjunct professor. Andrew was given his African
names in 1994 as a result of his dedication to community building
and his passion to empower youth. He regularly participates in
career days and speaks to students on Africana history and culture,
encouraging young people to read, use libraries for empowerment
and consider librarianship as a fulfilling career.
Leah Abraham is co-owner of the popular Settepani Bakery in Harlem
and has been part of New York City's culinary scene for more than
a decade. Prior to moving to the United States, Leah, who was
born in Ethiopia, lived in Kenya, Lebanon and the former British
colony of Aden. This unique upbringing lends a multicultural perspective
to her entrepreneurial vision. Initially, she was a co-owner of
Caffe Bondi, a southern Italian restaurant in Chelsea, and the
Bruno Bakery in Greenwich Village. In 1999, she and her husband
opened Settepani, considered by many Harlemites and other New
Yorkers to be among the leading upscale gathering places on Malcolm
X Boulevard.
David Dennis is director of the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Memorial
Community Center of Harlem. Prior to joining the Kennedy Center,
Mr. Dennis worked eight years at St. Charles Borromeo parochial
school in Harlem, where he taught sixth grade and implemented
a youth ministry program. Mr. Dennis developed and launched Crusader
Basketball Inc., a year-long basketball program targeting inner-city
youth that is committed to reaching the young-student athlete
as a player and person.
Rev. Dr. Victor A. Brown has served since 1986 as Senior Pastor
of Mt. Sinai United Christian Church in the New Brighton/Tompkinsville
section of Staten Island. Rev. Brown is also an adjunct professor
of preaching at New York Theological Seminary. At New York Theological,
Rev. Brown has been a three-time recipient of the Dr. Benjamin
E. Mays Scholarship. Awarded by the Funds for Theological Education,
this national recognition is conferred upon theological students
who exhibit exemplary academic achievement and promise for success
in ministry.
Gloria Eastmond Boyce, a lifelong resident of Brooklyn, has been
a civic activist for decades. Ms. Boyce, who worked at New York
Telephone for 39 years, developed a career in community activism
through her membership and participation in a variety of organizations,
including Church Women United; National Association of Negro Business
and Professional Women's Clubs; Brownstoners of Bedford Stuyvesant;
Jefferson Lewis Stuyvesant Block Association; MTA Senior Task
Force; Bridge Street Development Center; and Bridge Street A.M.E.
Church.
Margaret L. Jackson is a well-respected Harlem activist and businesswoman,
serving as president of two funeral homes and a realty corporation.
Ms. Jackson is a former Community Board 10 chairperson and former
treasurer of the Harlem YMCA Board of Directors. She is also a
member of St. Philip's Episcopal Church, the Martin Luther King
Democratic Club and the Empire State Funeral Directors.
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