NYS Assemblywoman Monique Chandler Waterman, on Sunday, Dec. 3, celebrated the superb contributions of 30 honorees at the 2nd Annual AD 58 Community Awards gala at the Top Civic Center at 1098 Utica Ave., Brooklyn.
The politician, decked out in a gorgeous red gown, joined the honorees as they danced to infectious music to be presented with plaques in front of a packed room of supporters, who were also there to donate to Chandler Waterman’s re-election campaign.
In her usually passionate speech, Assemblywoman Chandler-Waterman said the honorees have shown boundless dedication to “our district. This is a chance to reflect on our community and the people who give of themselves to make it an even better place.”
The first Black woman, and woman of Caribbean descent to hold the seat, the legislator lauded the AD 58 Community Organized Taskforce for its effective work, in areas of legislation.
“I want to thank God for his grace, my family, friends, staff, clergy, committee members, volunteers for their support, said the politician, who acknowledged the honorees and AD 58 Taskforce members for their tireless advocacy, activism, and commitment to Assembly District 58.
She said what the honorees have done impacts each person of the community. “I believe you have saved more than one from gun violence, provided mental health education for families and people in crisis. You have strengthened our local small business community by raising awareness, helped address quality of life and housing issues, and have engaged more young people.”
The lawmaker said the night’s celebration was evidence of the ways, “we stand on the pillars of our community as we highlight community stakeholders and our future leaders.
She spoke to the “BlackGirlMagic effect, and applauded the seven Lawrence sisters, who turned “pain into purpose,” being homeless, and now on their way to becoming nurses, as well as the young ladies of Taylor Lovett Dance Academy, Winners of the 14th Annual The Stars of New York Dance Competition top honorees.
“Special thanks to my dear mentor, father-figure and friend, the Honorable Ambassador Nick Perry who represented assembly District 58 from 1993 – 2022.
“As I step into my place as his successor, I promise to build on his legacy. We appreciate all our labor unions for their hard work and dedication. As I promised before I was elected, community comes first. I thank you for being a part of that community and I look forward to building with you. It’s not an “I” thing it’s a “we thing,” said the brilliant former educator.
Chandler Waterman was showered with praised for her dedication, and genuine leadership and approach to bringing about change in her district, and was lauded by colleagues, Assemblyman Brian Cunningham, Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte, and Councilmember Rita Joseph, as a trailblazer against gun violence, uplifting her community, while being committed to her work.
Honorees were; Michelle Crentsil, political director, NYSNA NYS Nurses Association, AD58 Community Organizer Taskforce Award, Linda McPherson, VP, DC 37 & president Local 95, DC37 AFSCME, AD58 Community Organizer Taskforce Award, Kyle Simmons, president, Local 924 NYC Laborers – DC 37, Candis Tall, VP and political director, 32BJ, Amelia Adams co-founding partner, Adams Buckner Advisors, LLC, Yvette Buckner, co-founding partner Adams Buckner Advisors, LLC, Bernadette O’Connor, PEF Region 11 coordinator, Region 11 political action committee chair, and Charles Roland, Regional 11 treasurer, co-political Action Committee chair Region 11.
Others were Kyle Ishmael and Razio Seabrook, Black Chamber co-founder, India L Sneed, Esq, managing partner, IQEQ LAW, Jamila Pringle-Fynes, NYC president of the Black Women’s Political Club, Dr. Zulema Blair, professor , chairperson, Department of Public Administration at CUNY Medgar Evers College, George Patterson, senior director, My Brother’s Keeper, NYC Department of Education, Rick Romain, principal of PS 268, NYC Department of Education, Sharon Haynes, assistant principal, PS 268, and Hilton Samuel and Beverly Samuel Community advocates.
Nigel Stoddart, senior pastor, River of Life Seventh Day Adventist Church Northeastern Conference, Patricia Malcolm, senior pastor, Churches United to Save and Heal, Pathway to Life Ministries, Tyron Stearns, community coordinator Project E.C.H.O. Cure violence, 67th Precinct Clergy – God Squad, Sherma Chambers, (Mother for Safe City) founder/director of Long Live King Kobe, in memory of her son Tyler Kobe Nichols, Ruel R. Stephenson, assistant chief at Patrol Borough Manhattan North, Roxanne T. Joseph. Detective 1st Grade, Patrol Borough Brooklyn South Community Affairs, Ronette S. Benjamin detective, Patrol Borough Brooklyn South Community Affairs 63rd Precinct, were also honored.
Others are Elba O. Melendez, secretary, coordinator, teacher, Earl Phillips, TWU retiree, Chaka Phaire, licensed clinical social LCSW-R, Pamela Stephens, AD 58 Task Force Member, and Gowyane Laing, Donna Rose, Seon Allenye, Romel Hyacinthe-El, AD 58 Task Force members.
AD 58 Liaison Nodera John, also thanked Dr. Meda Leacock, founder of IAmWondaWoman Foundation, for sponsoring a beauty make-over of the Lawrence family, by Bella Beauty Image in Queens.
A delightful performance by the Taylor Lovette Dance Academy, a serenade by Tyron Stearns, a toast of Bartenura wine with brand ambassador June Persaud, prayers, and emceed duties by Nichole Langlaise, interfaith liaison for district 58, capped off the evening’s celebration.
