NYCHA Celebrates Black History
Celebration.
On February 19, NYCHA hosted its 48th annual Black History Celebration in the Ceremonial Room at 90 Church Street.
This year’s theme – “A Century of Black Life, History and Culture” – was introduced by Community Operations Bronx Borough Director Marlon Forbes, who noted that NYCHA has its own Black history to celebrate, including the appointment of NYCHA’s Chair Shola Olatoye, the second African American woman to hold that role.
Before introducing the evening’s keynote speaker, David Ushery, Chair and CEO Olatoye remarked that Dr. Martin Luther King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ At NYCHA we are building on the legacies of great Black Americans who’ve shaped our lives to make life better for the next generation of NYCHA residents.”
An Emmy-winning NBC 4 news anchor, Mr. Ushery discussed the contributions of Black Americans and the challenges still to be faced.
“NYCHA is an important part of the fabric of this city and I want to honor you for the work [that] you do on behalf of NYCHA residents. Great Black Americans are a part of NYCHA’s history: Frederick Douglass, Ursula Burns, Carmelo Anthony, and even Whoopi Goldberg,” Mr. Ushery noted.
The elegant event, attended by over 100 employees, featured a delicious soul food buffet and music by the Yaffa All Stars, a jazz trio.
“I really appreciate the opportunity to honor Black Americans and to meet colleagues that I rarely have a chance to see out in the field,” said Robin Reed, Property Manager at Segwick Houses.
NYCHA’s Haitian American Employee Association, NAACP branch, and Nigerian Employee Organization staffed tables loaded with information, including a luscious Haitian pumpkin pie recipe.
“This is the kind of event you just can’t miss,” said Nathaniel Williams Jr., Supervisor of Caretakers at Abraham Lincoln Houses, who celebrated his 36th anniversary with NYCHA on February 20. “This event is important for all of us at NYCHA.”
