For the third straight year, Black Girl Magic Day was held at City Hall. This year’s event kicked off with a special celebration honoring the leadership, resilience, and contributions of Black women and girls who continue to shape New York City last week.
“What keeps us grounded is knowing that our work matters,” said Councilmember Althea Stevens at the celebration on February 19. “Every policy we push, every young person we mentor, every family we support, every voice we uplift — it all matters. This is the true measure of leadership, and leadership is not confined to titles.”
Currently, 10 Black women sit on the city council. Stevens, who’s been in office since 2022, spearheaded a resolution three years ago to recognize the accomplishments of Black women and designated a day for them every February.
“You can’t be what you can’t see. So many of us are here who are mentoring young women to make sure they know their possibilities, so that they know their work, so that they know that they are loved,” said Bronx District Attorney (DA) Darcel Clarke, who is the first Black woman DA in New York State.
This year honored phenomenal community leaders in the city, such as Nicole Meyers, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Staten Island president; Shelia Duke, Roads to Success CEO; Michelle Cretensil, political director, New York State Nurses Association; and Tanya Pedler, founder, Sensory Exploration Center Inc. Each honoree was presented with a proclamation.
Crowds of women at Black Girl Magic Day Celebration in City Council chambers. Credit: (Photo credit: John McCarten/NYC Council Media Unit) 
Edge School of the Arts (ESOTA) dance troupe in Queens performs ballet number at Black Girl Magic event. Credit: (Photo credit: John McCarten/NYC Council Media Unit) 
Bronx Councilmember Althea Stevens hosts Black Girl Magic Day Celebration on February 19, 2026. Credit: (Photo credit: John McCarten/NYC Council Media Unit) 
Bronx Councilmember Althea Stevens gives speech about youth empowerment. Credit: (Photo credit: John McCarten/NYC Council Media Unit) 
Several New York City councilmembers, community leaders, performers, and Black Girl Magic Day honorees pose at event on February 19. Credit: (Photo credit: John McCarten/NYC Council Media Unit) 
From left to right: Councilmembers Kamillah Hanks, Amanda Farías, Althea Stevens; Honoree Tanya Pedler; Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clarke; Assemblymember Chantel Jackson; and Councilmembers Crystal Hudson and Rita Joseph. Credit: (Photo credit: John McCarten/NYC Council Media Unit)
“Thank you for seeing the work, my heart, and the commitment behind it. Black Girl Magic, for me, is not just about shining; it is about resilience, it is about turning pain into purpose. It’s about showing up for your community when you’re tired, especially when you’re tired,” said Pedler.
“To the young girl, my nieces: Your voice is not too loud,” said Meyers. “Your dreams are not too big and your presence is not accidental. You are not waiting to become magic — you already are.”
A number of legislators also joined the celebration, including City Council Speaker Julie Menin; City Council Majority Whip Kamillah Hanks; Councilmembers Rita Joseph, Crystal Hudson, Selvena Brooks Powers, and Amanda Farias; along with State Assemblymember Chantel Jackson.
“As a forever educator, I know how important it is to invest in our youth and empower our young people, especially our young women,” said Joseph. “Tonight, we will remind you to be strong, unapologetic, and continue to shine bright. The world needs your passion, your ideas, and your unique spark. Never dim it for anyone.”
“A day where we pause the policy, debates, hearings, and votes to do something important — we celebrate excellence. Black Girl Magic is not a trend. It’s not a hashtag; it is a lived reality,” said Hanks.
Performances for the evening included a poetry reading by SaidSaidd, a song by DioMara Delvalle, and a ballet from the Edge School of the Arts (ESOTA) youth dance group.