NYCHA Events Celebrate Black History Month
Black History Month was celebrated throughout NYCHA this February with festivities and recognitions of community members who have worked to empower their neighborhoods through the arts, advocacy, and civic engagement.
Residents and employees were joined by community partners for events honoring the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans, while paying tribute to this year’s Black History Month theme of “African Americans and the Arts.” NYCHA is home to numerous African-American residents and staff who are making their mark in the creative field.
Here are some of the 2024 Black History Month commemorations at NYCHA:
On February 15, Bronx River Houses Resident Association President Norma Saunders was among four community honorees at a Black History Month celebration hosted by Councilmember Rafael Salamanca at the Bronx Zoo’s Schiff Hall.
On February 21, the Astoria Houses Resident Association and HANAC Cornerstone hosted an award celebration at the HANAC Cornerstone Community Center in Queens. The event, also supported by the New York Power Authority (NYPA), was attended by City Councilmember Tiffany Caban, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, and representatives from NYCHA and NYPA.
Young residents and members of the resident association were among 21 awardees recognized with proclamations from Senator Gonzalez for their participation and exemplary work to improve the local neighborhood. HANAC Cornerstone is a nonprofit which provides year-round, engaging programming by the City Department of Youth and Community Development for youth at Astoria Houses and the surrounding community.
In addition, the Black History Month event included presentations from NYCHA’s Lead Abatement Unit and community organizations, and a career panel featuring some NYPA employees from diverse backgrounds and careers.
State Senator Kristen Gonzalez presented proclamations to community honorees and met with NYPA panelists during the Black History Month event at the HANAC Cornerstone Community Center in Queens. (courtesy of New York Power Authority)
On February 24, the Whitman Houses Resident Association presented an intercultural celebration for Black History Month and Lunar New Year at the Willoughby Older Adult Center in Brooklyn.
The community event, which was open to all ages and attended by NYCHA representatives, featured cultural performances, music, food, raffles and giveaways, and a variety of resources for residents.
NYCHA’s NAACP branch held its annual Black History Month celebration and awards ceremony at the Authority’s Bronx borough office on February 28.
The festive event highlighted the theme of “African Americans and the Arts” by celebrating employees, residents, and community leaders who have preserved and shared their history through creative outlets and helped empower their communities through visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, music, and film. Among the evening’s 15 honorees was NYCHA’s new Vice President for Learning and Development Dr. Tischelle George.
This year’s festivities included a live performance by the Mike Brown Band featuring Rick Anthony and refreshments. NYCHA Administrative Staff Analyst Lynn Spivey (the NYCHA NAACP Branch President) and Administrative Community Relations Specialist Kadijah Wilson served as mistresses of ceremonies.
The NAACP branch’s Black History Month celebration recognized honorees who are empowering their communities through the arts, including NYCHA’s Vice President for Learning and Development Dr. Tischelle George (right).
