With the sound of drums began the Second Annual Black History Month Celebration & Award Night at the Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement House on February 28th, 2012. The event was hosted by City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer and honored community advocates, including our very own Executive Director William T. Newlin, who was honored for his more than 22 year commitment to uplifting Queensbridge communities. Board member Elizabeth McQueen accepted an award on Mr. Newlin’s behalf.
In addition to the award ceremony, youth winners of a city-wide Black History Essay Contest were recognized. One of the winner’s, Riis Academy participant Hanaa Joumad read her essay on civil rights leader Ruby Bridges, for which she received a standing ovation. The night continued with theatrics from a praise dancer and lyrics from local spoken word artist “Sugar Ray” who was also honored. Bishop Mitchell Taylor ended the night with a famous quote “darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that; hatred cannot drive out hatred, only love can do that”. Riis Settlement will definitely continue to be a place of light and love for all the community members we serve!
