Partnered Content: Amsterdam News Educational Foundation
The New York Amsterdam News Readers’ Choice Awards were a resounding success! Our wonderful readers showed up and showed out with 777 nominations among 100 categories of businesses and cultural institutions. It was a tough job, but we narrowed those down to 150 finalists in 45 categories based on those with the most entries. Our finalists are invited to attend our “Best of NYC” 117th Anniversary reception on Monday, May 4, 2026, where the winners will be announced at our historic Harlem headquarters.
“A heartfelt thank you goes out to our readers for nominating their favorite NYC icons for this year’s awards,” said Amsterdam News Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Elinor R. Tatum. “Recognizing excellence is essential, but thanking those who dedicate themselves to our community is even more important. As we reflect on 117 years of service, we are thrilled to spotlight the leaders and organizations that continue to move us forward.”
The New York Amsterdam News Readers’ Choice Awards were created to celebrate and promote the diverse, vibrant business and cultural institutions that make our region uniquely great, while encouraging local community support. Voting took place from March 1 through April 24, with thousands of readers weighing in on their favorites. This enthusiastic participation in the Readers’ Choice Awards reaffirms the connectedness that makes New York City thrive.
“By empowering our readers to spotlight the businesses they love, Readers’ Choice creates a cycle of local pride,” said Ali Milliner, advertising manager at the Amsterdam News. “It rewards business owners with the recognition they deserve and ensures our readers remain the primary curators of the excellence found within their own backyards.”
In addition to recognizing the Readers’ Choice finalists and announcing the winners, the 117th Anniversary reception, sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation and Google, will honor unsung community leaders: the “Black New Yorkers” featured in the Amsterdam News in 2025 who drive the social fabric of our neighborhoods.