Great American Emancipation Awards Celebration
2026-02-17 - 13:18
The Positive Community Corporation proudly announces the 7th Annual Great American Emancipation Awards Celebration, taking place February 28, 2026, at the historic Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, New Jersey. Held during Black History Month, this signature celebration honors the enduring contributions of Black Americans to the founding, growth, and strength of the United States. Adrian Council, Co-Founder and Publisher of The Positive Community Corporation, stated: “As America marks its 250th anniversary, the Great American Emancipation Awards Celebration shines a powerful light on the indispensable contributions of Black Americans to this nation’s founding and growth. From the earliest fight for liberty to shaping the strength of this country, Black Americans helped build America into the most powerful nation in the world.” During this year’s awards celebration, Council said several honorees will receive the Crispus Attucks Medal of Freedom to recognize their legacy and service. “The Crispus Attucks Medal of Freedom represents the courage and sacrifice that helped forge this nation and honors the enduring legacy of service and freedom demonstrated by generations of Black Americans,” he explained. The Great American Emancipation Awards also honor the enduring legacy of Crispus Attucks, widely recognized as the first martyr of the American Revolution. A man of African and Native American descent, Attucks gave his life during the Boston Massacre in 1770, becoming a powerful symbol of courage, resistance, and the quest for freedom. His sacrifice represents the foundational role Black Americans played in the birth of this nation and serves as a reminder that the pursuit of liberty and justice has always included the voices, struggles, and contributions of people of African descent. The Crispus Attucks Medal of Freedom stands as a tribute to that legacy and to those who continue the work of advancing freedom, justice, and equality for all. The celebration will also include a tribute to the late Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, 132nd Bishop of the AME Church and longtime columnist of A Shepherd’s Corner, whose legacy continues to inspire communities of faith and leadership. Jean Nash, Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Positive Community Magazine, reflected on the significance of this year’s honorees: “This celebration is a sacred moment of recognition and gratitude. We honor business and faith-based leaders whose vision, integrity, and service have strengthened our communities, uplifted families, and created pathways of opportunity for future generations. Their leadership reflects the powerful intersection of faith, enterprise, and social responsibility, reminding us that true legacy is built through service, sacrifice, and commitment to the greater good.” Honorees include: • Posthumous — Dr. Lloyd Williams, Founder of Harlem Week • Posthumous — Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, 132nd Bishop of the AME Church • Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, Chair, Congressional Black Caucus • Former Congressman Edolphus “Ed” Towns Jr. • Junius Williams, Esq., Rutgers University–Newark • Rev. Dr. Carol Lynn Patterson, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Newark • Tai Cooper, New Jersey Economic Development Authority • United Airlines — Good Corporate Citizenship Award Event Details Event: 7th Annual Great American Emancipation Luncheon & Awards Date: February 28, 2026 2 pm – 6 pm Location: Robert Treat Hotel, Newark, New Jersey About The Positive Community Corporation The Positive Community Corporation is a faith-based company & publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and uplifting communities through stories of leadership, service, empowerment, and social impact. For Interviews, Soundbites, B’roll: Contact Caryl Lucas, Media