In the heart of Brooklyn, the legacy of Canarsie native Pop Smoke was on full display on Feb. 21 as residents, elected officials and community leaders gathered at The Bogart House for the annual Canarsie Honors celebration.
Hosted by the Shoot For The Stars Foundation, the evening brought together supporters from across the borough to recognize the advocates and changemakers shaping Canarsie and Brooklyn at large. What began in past years as a tribute to the late rapper has grown into a signature community event centered on service, mentorship and local leadership.
Canarsie Honors spotlighted individuals whose work spans youth development, small business leadership, grassroots organizing and neighborhood advocacy. Throughout the program, honorees were recognized for their steady commitment to strengthening the community and creating opportunities for the next generation. Organizers underscored that the event is as much about collective progress as it is about celebration.
“As Shar’s mother, it means everything to see our community continue to come together. This neighborhood shaped him, and I invite you personally to come out, celebrate our honorees, and stand with us as we keep building something meaningful for our young people. Together, we are stronger,” said Audrey “Mah Smoke” Jackson.
The night featured a special performance by Grammy-nominated artist Guy Laire, who energized the room and set the tone for an evening rooted in Brooklyn pride. A live DJ kept guests on their feet, while attendees enjoyed a catered dinner and open bar in an atmosphere that blended elegance with hometown spirit.
Guests included families, local organizations and longtime supporters who filled the venue in a show of solidarity for Canarsie. Many attendees described the evening as both uplifting and purposeful, a reminder that behind the borough’s cultural influence is a network of residents committed to doing the work.
Proceeds from the event will support the foundation’s initiatives aimed at expanding educational access and enrichment opportunities for young people. Organizers said the continued growth of Canarsie Honors reflects the community’s shared determination to build lasting pathways for success.
By the close of the night, the message was clear: Pop Smoke’s influence extends far beyond music. In Canarsie, his name remains tied to action, service and a renewed focus on investing in Brooklyn’s future.
