QBP RICHARDS TO HOST VIRTUAL CELEBRATION HONORING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Thursday, February 25 at 6pm; AG Letitia James to Offer Keynote Remarks

(February 11, 2021 at 12pm)

QUEENS, NY – Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and the African American Heritage Committee today announced his annual celebration of Black History Month, honoring the countless contributions of the Black community to the growth and future of our shared borough, will be held virtually on Thursday, February 25, 2021 at 6:00 PM.

“Black history is Queens history. This Black History Month, we are beyond proud to not only celebrate our heritage as Black New Yorkers, but honor some of the most selfless and influential members of the Black community serving our families in Queens and beyond,” said Borough President RICHARDS. “From the devastating impact of COVID-19 on communities of color to the long-overdue national reckoning with systemic injustice, this past year has been unspeakably trying for the Black community — highlighting the importance of this month’s commemoration. As the first Black man to hold this office, it is my honor to bring together families from across our borough to uplift both our Black history and future.”

The February 25 Black History Month event will be held online beginning at 6:00 PM and will be live streamed at www.queensbp.org. Prospective attendees interested in attending via Zoom must RSVP by Tuesday, February 23 at www.queensbp.org/rsvp. Instructions will be emailed the day of the event to those who register.

Borough President Richards’ virtual celebration will include keynote remarks from New York State Attorney General Letitia James, community discussions and the presentation of awards to five exemplary community leaders, including:

·         Jolander Headley, President and CEO of Joe’s Academy of Music: Arts & Culture Award

·         Christopher Roker, Chief Growth Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals: Business Award

·         Keith M. Little, SCO Family of Services President and CEO: Community Service Award

·         Adjoa Esinam Gzifa, longtime community leader: Civic Award

·         Kelly Johnson, Principal of The Baccalaureate School for Global Education: Education Award

Borough President Richards and the African American Heritage Committee will also award African American Heritage Scholarships worth $1,000 each to six distinguished Queens high school students from across the borough to help cover expenses related to their post-secondary studies.

The February 25 Black History Month celebration is co-sponsored by Atled, Inc, Community Meditation Services, ConEdison, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – Queens Alumnae Chapter, the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, the Jamaica YMCA and Resorts World Casino New York City.

***PLEASE INCLUDE IN YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR***

WHAT:         Borough President Richards’ Black History Month celebration

WHEN:         Thursday, February 25, 2021 at 6:00 PM

WHERE:       Live stream: www.queensbp.org

Prospective applicants interested in participating via Zoom must RSVP by Tuesday, February 23 at www.queensbp.org/rsvp.

Follow the Office of the Queens Borough President via @QnsBPRichards on Twitter and @QueensBPRichards on Facebook and Instagram

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