Brooklyn, NY – Black History Celebration by Chamber of Commerce

2026-03-03 - 13:55

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce concluded Black History Month with a ceremony recognizing distinguished Black business and community leaders during a gathering at the Weeksville Heritage Center in Crown Heights. The event took place against the backdrop of significant demographic change. According to research from the NYU Furman Center, Brooklyn lost approximately 69,000 Black residents between 2010 and 2020, the largest decline among New York City’s five boroughs. Organizers emphasized that celebrating Black achievement carries heightened significance amid these shifts, underscoring the continued social, cultural, and economic contributions of Black Brooklynites. Institutional Commitment and Investment Dr. Raymond Codrington, president and chief executive officer of Weeksville Heritage Center, highlighted a US$1 million investment secured from Governor Kathy Hochul and New York State to support the preservation and advancement of the historic site. Meanwhile, Randy Peers, president and chief executive officer of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to strengthening minority-owned businesses across the borough. Board Chair Ana Oliveira also addressed attendees, reinforcing the organization’s focus on economic inclusion. Honourees Reflect Brooklyn’s Diversity of Leadership Four individuals were recognized for their impact across entrepreneurship, environmental stewardship, financial services and public administration. Kelley Pierre, founder and chief executive officer of All Access Golf, received the Small Business Leader Award. Pierre shared that he initially turned to golf as a networking strategy after struggling to secure employment. Determined to expand access within a sport historically lacking diversity, he established initiatives that connect underserved youth to mentorship, scholarships and professional pathways within the golf industry. Morgan Monaco, president of the Prospect Park Alliance, accepted the Community Champion Award. She highlighted the alignment between the Alliance and Weeksville in preserving and amplifying Black history. “We run the Lefferts Historic House. We are in the business of trying to tell untold stories of the enslaved Africans who built the Lefferts farmstead and who built the Brooklyn economy. And it’s just an honor during Black History Month to be acknowledged for the work that we do in such an incredible, sacred space, such as Weeksville,” she said. Kenneth Marable, a financial planner at Prudential Advisors, received the Samuel L. Dunston Award for Business Excellence. Over his career, Marable has focused on equipping Black families and small businesses with financial strategies spanning savings, investments and retirement planning. Michael Garner, appointed in 2023 as New York City’s Chief Business Diversity Officer under former Mayor Eric Adams and later reappointed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, was presented with the Public Service Leader Award. In his role, Garner works to expand equitable access to city contracts and economic development opportunities, particularly for Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs). Cultural Tribute and Closing Performance Each honouree and sponsoring benefactor received a ceremonial Ghanaian Kente cloth, presented by community advocate Jerry Kwabena Kansis. Traditionally worn to mark milestones and achievements, Kente cloth symbolizes values such as unity, leadership, resilience and wisdom through its intricate colours and patterns. The evening concluded with a performance by Bashi Arts, featuring a dance interpretation of the African American spiritual Wade In The Water. Guests were later treated to desserts from Kente Cones, an East New York-based ice cream shop, bringing the celebration to a warm and community-centered close.