(FREEPORT, N.Y.) - Nassau County Legislator Kevan M. Abrahams (D - Freeport) partnered with Fidelis Care to celebrate Nassau County’s “Unsung Heroes” for their contributions to the community during a virtual Black History Month celebration on Saturday, Feb. 27.
The roster of honorees included an array of entrepreneurs, philanthropists, activists, educators, doctors, media professionals and others who are known for their devotion to community service. Each received a Nassau County Citation during a virtual ceremony that was livestreamed on Legislator Abrahams’ Facebook page.
“Time and again, selfless individuals have rolled up their sleeves to meet the needs of their neighbors - and we could not allow COVID-19 to stand in the way of celebrating these outstanding Black American leaders who make Nassau County and our nation a better place,” Legislator Abrahams said. “This year has been very trying as we know. From COVID to George Floyd, the events of the last 12 months show us that we still have much more work to do. However, I am hopeful that the outstanding leaders we highlighted will serve as a spark of inspiration for others to join us in pursuit of true equity and justice in our society.”
The honorees (listed alphabetically by last name) are: Andrew Ayodeji, Founder of Bolden Mack Park and VP/Co-Founder of Minority Millennials (Amityville); Joanna Bell-Richards, Founder of Harvest for The World (Uniondale); Leon Levar Broughton, CEO and Founder of Trimz Barbershop and Trimz Hair Studio (Freeport); Clara Gillens-Eromosele, Community Leader (Hempstead); Erika Hill, Principal of Vision Street Research (Baldwin); Glenda Hills, Founder of Millennium Sistahs and Cari Flair Boutique (Uniondale); Mr. Dexter Hodge, Principal of Lawrence Road Middle School (Uniondale School District); Antonio Kelley, Founder of PichaDis Media (Hempstead); Dr. Carolyn McCummings, Commissioner of the Nassau County Department of Human Services (Hempstead); Valerie McFadden, Community Activist (Uniondale); Angela Perry, Community Leader (Uniondale); Alicia A. Ray, Founder and Creative Director of Black Owned Long Island (Freeport); Dr. Jeremiah Sumter, Principal of Roosevelt Middle School (Roosevelt School District); Dr. Charles Thompson III, MD of Clarity Surgical and Weight Loss Solutions (Rockville Centre and Huntington offices); Janet Weekes, Community Leader (Uniondale); and Dr. Jermaine Williams, President of Nassau Community College (Uniondale).
Freeport’s Rev. Dr. Craig Wright, Diversity Officer/Associate Vice President of Nassau Community College, moderated the “Unsung Heroes” ceremony, which featured saxophonist Joshua Boucicaut (Uniondale); poetry by Denise Louther Williams (Uniondale), and a musical medley by vocalist Gabriell Baldie (Uniondale).