The Harlem Council of Elders held its community recognition awards at Melba’s 125 in the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building. Former Mayor of New York City David N. Dinkins; educator Dr. Sandye P. Johnson; and Tuskegee Airman Dabney Montgomery were the honorees. The honorees were presented citations and proclamations from our elected officials’ offices, and some of them attended the affair.
Actor and director Eric Coleman was the host. Jackie Rowe-Adams, co-founder of Harlem Mothers SAVES and president of Local 299, sang the Negro National Anthem. Jazz singer JaRon Eames dedicated a song to the honorees, and Bishop Harris played several selections on the saxophone. Reflections from a student and the principal of Urban Assembly for New Technology Middle School in Harlem were offered on the enrichment program they received from the Council of Elders.
The Harlem Council of Elders committee members are Galen Kirkland, president; James E. Allen, chairperson; Keith L.T. Wright, honorary chairperson; Georgette Clark; Mary Dowery; Dr. Charles Dunn; Donald Fitzpatrick; Harriet Fortson; Ruth Helen Hood; Rita Miller; Maxine McCrey; Lottie Raukx; Peggy Ruffin; and Michelle D. Winfield.