The Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA held its 2nd Annual "Brooklyn Honors" gala and celebration Thursday night, a fundraising event that honors Brooklynites who are making a positive contribution both in and out of the borough.
This year's event was held at the Liberty Lighthouse in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Award-winning journalist, Caroline Clarke served as the mistress of ceremonies. The nine honorees included:
Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO and executive director of The Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies; Recipient: Reginald Butts Social Responsibility Award
Hon. Cheryl Chambers, associate justice, Appellate Division, 2nd Dpt. of the NYS Supreme Court; Recipient: Reginald Butts Social Responsibility Award
Gordon Chambers, Grammy Award-winning songwriter; Recipient: Reginald Butts Social Responsibility Award
Dr. Marcella Maxwell, educator and advocate of women's health issues; Recipient: Glendon Breedy Healthy Living Award
Jeffrey Smalls, president and CEO of Smalls Electrical Construction, Inc.; Recipient: Jumaane Stewart Youth Development Award
William Suggs, senior specialist of environmental health and safety at Con Edison; Recipient: Reginald Butts Social Responsibility Award
Rev. Anthony Trufant, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church; Recipient: Reginald Butts Social Responsibility Award
Tenyse Williams, communications associate and magazine publisher; Recipient: Future Leader Award
Lieutenant Colonel John Mulzac, Bed-Stuy resident and one of the original Tuskegee Airmen; Recipient: Lifetime Achievement Award
Ashley Hacket, Bed-Stuy resident and high school student; Recipient: Jumaane Stewart Foundation Scholarship
Each of the honorees were chosen because they embody the YMCA's three pillars, which are youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
"They are collectively giving our young people one of the greatest gifts of all, the gift of opportunity," said Dordy Jourdain, executive director at the Bed-Stuy YMCA. "Their unwavering commitment to the communities they serve has resulted in the upliftment of youth and families across the city and beyond."
