The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce recently held a recognition ceremony for four Brooklyn leaders at the Weeksville Heritage Center in Crown Heights, as part of its annual Black History Celebration.
Among those recognized were Atiba T. Edwards, president and chief executive officer of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, who received the Community Leader Award; Lishawn Alexander, founder of Lishawn’s Consulting and Lishawn’s Cupcakes, honored with the Small Business Leader Award; Tiffany Joy Murchison, founder of TJM & Co. Media Boutique, who was bestowed with the Samuel L. Dunston Award for Business Excellence; and State Senator Zellnor Myrie, who received the Public Service Leader Award.
"I'm honored to be recognized by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, which does so much to support our borough's economy and our small businesses in particular,” said Myrie. "Brooklyn is the capital of the world, and it's fitting that we celebrate our business owners of color during this Black History Month celebration."
Each honoree received a ceremonial Ghanaian Kente cloth — a Ghana-originated fabric that sports symbolic colors — during a special presentation by Ghanian/African diaspora leader Jerry Kwabena Kansis.
The event also featured a live performance by young dancers and drummers from Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy.
“What a memorable evening for Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce honoring four dynamic members of the Brooklyn Community! Hosting our Black History Celebration at the Weeksville Heritage Center was particularly special because this community was home to one of the largest free Black communities in pre-Civil War America,” said Randy Peers, president and chief executive officer of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.
“All of our 2024 Black History Celebration honorees are incredible examples of the Brooklyn community and role models of the best of New York City.”
