Proud of African American History - Teaneck Councilwoman Honors Trailblazers
Through my rich cultural heritage, I'm proud to be able to glean from the fortiture and resilence of many African Americans who've been through so much around the world. Their shoulders I stand on give me strength to push forward and be an asset to my race. Through my eyes as a journalist, I've had the pleasure of writing on several current events in my area that honored people who've marched, held sit ins and risked their lives so that the next generation can have a better life. It was such an honor to be a part of their history.
- Jewelz
Teaneck (NJ) Councilwoman Lizette Parker
Honors African American Trailblazers in Bergen County
The contributions of Bergen County African American leaders in civil rights, law, education, entertainment and civil service was recognized during Councilwoman Lizette Parker’s 3rd Annual African American History Month program celebrating African American Trailblazers Making a Difference in the Community Saturday morning February 5 at the Logan Family Life Center in Hackensack.
This year’s exceptional group consisted of former Bergen County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Aaron R. Graham, Englewood Councilman Jack Drakeford, lawyer and historian Arnold E. Brown, Executive Director of the Fair Housing Council of Northern NJ Lee Porter, Teaneck Terpsichoreans founder and artistic directress Cheryl Miller-Porter and civil and human rights activist Theodora Smiley Lacey.
Their combined history includes numerous awards, recognitions and citations for bravery and astounding fortitude in the face of great upheaval. Because of their tenacity to sit in, protest, challenge racists agendas and more, laws were changed and the community is greatly enriched by their efforts. Future generations can proudly forge ahead as they stand on the shoulders of those who understood why they had to fight.
“I would like to change the beginning but I would not give up the opportunity of having been a part of any of those struggles which were so important in my development.” stated Honoree Lacey whose history includes risking her life traveling throughout Alabama researching voter registration and injustice in the political system.
Along with program emcee Estina Baker President of the Bergen County branch of the NAACP, Teaneck Councilwomen Monica Honis and Barbara Ley Toffler, Councilman Marlin Townes, Freeholders David Ganz & Bernadette McPherson and a host of other civil servants, teachers, leaders and friends came out to support Parker.
“Today we celebrate the incredible talented achievements of those in our communities.” stated guest speaker Senator Robert Menendez. “We have to be diligent to not go backward in time. We need to stand up for justice!”
Parker and her Black History Month Committee planned the three hour, $40 ticketed program specifically to include teens and young adults. Gleaning from the history in their own back yards, teens Balenda Nelson, Ja’Neil Humphrey, Angela Taylor, Alyssa Hamilton, musician Reggie Pittman, Jazmin Tyson, 18-year old author Jesu Mills and Nellie K. Parker school teacher Toney Jackson participated in song, music, dance, poetry and public speaking linking the generations and setting a bright future for them.
“Each of the honorees have left trails in their fields and made significant contributions to society.” Parker stated. “I would not be able to stand before you had it not been for the tireless work and effort of each of them. Their trails continue to blaze on.”
- Jewelz
Teaneck (NJ) Councilwoman Lizette Parker
Honors African American Trailblazers in Bergen County
The contributions of Bergen County African American leaders in civil rights, law, education, entertainment and civil service was recognized during Councilwoman Lizette Parker’s 3rd Annual African American History Month program celebrating African American Trailblazers Making a Difference in the Community Saturday morning February 5 at the Logan Family Life Center in Hackensack.
This year’s exceptional group consisted of former Bergen County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Aaron R. Graham, Englewood Councilman Jack Drakeford, lawyer and historian Arnold E. Brown, Executive Director of the Fair Housing Council of Northern NJ Lee Porter, Teaneck Terpsichoreans founder and artistic directress Cheryl Miller-Porter and civil and human rights activist Theodora Smiley Lacey.
Their combined history includes numerous awards, recognitions and citations for bravery and astounding fortitude in the face of great upheaval. Because of their tenacity to sit in, protest, challenge racists agendas and more, laws were changed and the community is greatly enriched by their efforts. Future generations can proudly forge ahead as they stand on the shoulders of those who understood why they had to fight.
“I would like to change the beginning but I would not give up the opportunity of having been a part of any of those struggles which were so important in my development.” stated Honoree Lacey whose history includes risking her life traveling throughout Alabama researching voter registration and injustice in the political system.
Along with program emcee Estina Baker President of the Bergen County branch of the NAACP, Teaneck Councilwomen Monica Honis and Barbara Ley Toffler, Councilman Marlin Townes, Freeholders David Ganz & Bernadette McPherson and a host of other civil servants, teachers, leaders and friends came out to support Parker.
“Today we celebrate the incredible talented achievements of those in our communities.” stated guest speaker Senator Robert Menendez. “We have to be diligent to not go backward in time. We need to stand up for justice!”
Parker and her Black History Month Committee planned the three hour, $40 ticketed program specifically to include teens and young adults. Gleaning from the history in their own back yards, teens Balenda Nelson, Ja’Neil Humphrey, Angela Taylor, Alyssa Hamilton, musician Reggie Pittman, Jazmin Tyson, 18-year old author Jesu Mills and Nellie K. Parker school teacher Toney Jackson participated in song, music, dance, poetry and public speaking linking the generations and setting a bright future for them.
“Each of the honorees have left trails in their fields and made significant contributions to society.” Parker stated. “I would not be able to stand before you had it not been for the tireless work and effort of each of them. Their trails continue to blaze on.”
 |
| Teaneck (NJ) Councilwoman Lizette Parker, NJ Sen. Robert Menedez & Bergen County, NJ NAACP Pres. Estina Baker |
 |
| L-R Arnold E. Brown, Cheryl Miller-Porter, Lee Porter, Parker, Englewood Councilman Jack Drakeford, Theodora Smiley Lacey & Dr. Aaron R. Graham |
 |
| Parker & the Black History Month Committee |
 |
| Author Jesu Mills and Sister living a dream |
Comments
Post a Comment