Senator Jeff Klein honored several exemplary local African American leaders at his 23rd annual Black History Celebration on Saturday, February 24 at Villa Barone Manor. This year’s distinguished honorees included Bertha Lewis, The Black Institute president and founder; Michael Barnes, C.A.L.F. Industries founder; deputy inspector Benjamin Gurley, 43rd Precinct commanding officer; Stephanie Hill, community organizer and activist; Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton, superintendent of the Mount Vernon City School District; Katherine Hamm, P.S. 107 principal; Larry Robinson, Community Board 2 Youth Services Committee chairman and Madge Leanna Holsey Shaw, community activist and educational advocate.
Senator Klein presented Bertha Lewis an award plaque in honor of her community service.
Photo by Aracelis Batista
Rabbi Keith Elijah Thompson (c) opened the event with prayer and the blowing of the Shofar.
Photo by Aracelis Batista
Deputy inspector Gurley (c) was honored by Councilwoman Gibson and Assemblyman Sepulveda.
Photo by Aracelis Batista
Senator Klein presented soon-to-be-honoree Monique Johnson, Throggs Neck Houses Resident Council president, her invitation to the Senate’s 20th annual Women of Distinction Reception for Tuesday, May 1 in Albany.
Photo by Aracelis Batista
