New York State Assembly Member Stefani Zinerman recently hosted the #TheVibrant56 Change Makers Awards at the Cultural Museum Of African Art in Bedford Stuyvesant.
The awards ceremony celebrated individuals that “embody the values, vibrancy, and activism of the Bedford Stuyvesant and Northern Crown Heights communities,” both neighborhoods that Zinerman represents.
The ceremony recognized community members in a variety of areas including the arts, disability justice, healthy aging, public safety, economic empowerment, urban agriculture and youth development.
“I am honored to recognize people who share their talent with the world in a way that shifts paradigms and builds communities,” said Zinerman. “My goal is to continue inspiring my honorees to think about their role collectively and individually as community members. They are members of my legislative council who are creating an impact that is changing the world, and I am honored to work alongside them in this work.”
During the ceremony, Zinerman stressed the importance of preserving cultural communities and highlighted the significance of hosting the event at the Cultural Museum Of African Art, which she provided over $1.3 million in capital funding towards.
“We wouldn’t be gathered in this space if it wasn’t for the assembly member. We are immensely indebted to her and her vision, coupled with ours, to put forth our history and preserve our culture,” said Eric Edwards, executive director and founder of the Cultural Museum of African Arts.
The award recioients:
Arts and Culture
- Atiba Edwards - President and chief executive officer at BrooklynBrookln Children's Museum
- Larry Weekes - Artists Of Fulton Art Fair
- Linda Sylvester - Quest Youth Ensemble (Community Liaison)
- Rubie and Osei Williams - Founders of Asase Yaa Children’s Camp
Youth Development
- Arnold Ludd - Inspiring Minds NYC
- Andrea Ishmel - Inspiring Minds NYC
- Kylie Richardson - Inspiring Minds NYC
Public Safety
- Barry Cooper - Founder and executive director of The Bro Experience Foundation
- Stephanie Carnegie - Founder of Totality Wellness Inc.
Healthy Aging
- Selma Jackson - Community advocate and volunteer with Age Friendly Central Brooklyn
- Tamika Ford
- Donna Williams
Disability Justice
- Deon Jones
- Anne Marie Johnson - Disability justice leader and advocate
- Marc Safman - Founder of Safman Consulting
Small Business
- Hollis Barclay - North Nostrand Avenue Merchant Association
- Sheryl Roberts - Shops on Lewis Avenue
- Tiecha Merrit - Tompkins Avenue Merchant Association
- Angela Terry and Michael Brooks - Malcolm X/Utica Avenue Merchant Association
Agriculture
- ENA McPherson and Hru Dejenaba - Tranquility Gardens
- Yonette Fleming and youth from Hattie Carthan Garden
