On Thursday, February 25, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer hosted his annual Trailblazers event in honor of African-American History Month at Medgar Evers College in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
The event was co-hosted by Congress Member Yvette D. Clarke, State Senator Jesse Hamilton, Assembly Member Walter T. Mosley, and Council Member Laurie Cumbo and honored three individuals, and one organization, for their leadership in moving the City forward with innovation and dedication:
Coney Island Generation Gap (CIGG): CIGG is an organization that educates and empowers youth, families, and seniors in Coney Island through the arts, and helps them build a path to a brighter future. Their "Future Focus Project" teaches young people arts and media education, health and wellness, and documentary film making. CIGG Founder and Assembly Member Pamela Harris accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
Jamilah Lemieux: Ms. Lemieux is the Senior Editor at EBONY Magazine, and is a fierce advocate for racial equality, social justice, and LGBT rights. Her words have shined a light on the many faces of diversity, challenged the status quo, and shifted the public discourse towards greater acceptance. Her appearances on television and radio and her work at numerous magazines have earned her recognition from top organizations, including The Root and Planned Parenthood.
Mike Muse: Mr. Muse is Co-Founder of Muse Recordings, and an established force in music, business and politics, influencing discussions from pop culture to youth policy, and beyond. He was recently appointed the Small Business Administration's Millennial Entrepreneur Champion for President Obama's "My Brother's Keeper" initiative.
Faith Williams: Ms. Williams is Student Body President of Wadleigh High School in Harlem. At 18 years, she is already a role model for her peers. In January, Faith organized her fellow students to participate in a rally led by Comptroller Stringer against e-cigarette advertising that targets young kids.
The evening kicked off with remarks by the Dean of Enrollment Management for Medgar Evers College, Dr. Dereck Skeete, followed by a performance by Adisa Swaby, a 13-year old Brooklyn-based musician and member of the Middle School Jazz Academy of Lincoln Center.
"When we think about Trailblazers, we are honoring the people who set new paths, but we are also looking to those who are building upon that foundation," said Stringer.
"Tonight, we are recognizing four leaders who are pushing our society towards positive change, for today, and for the future: Coney Island Generation Gap (CIGG), Jamilah Lemieux, Mike Muse, and Faith Williams."
