Jean Joseph, the Dominican-born president of the Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club, has described as “a great success” the second annual celebration of Black History Month on Friday evening in the auditorium of P.S. 276, the Louis Marshall School, on East 83rd St. in Canarsie, Brooklyn.
“Like the first event, it was a great success,” Joseph, a certified public accountant, told Caribbean Life. “This time, the focus was on the children and their performances.
“The cubs presented a historical dance celebrating African American culture; the Leos recited snippets from the speech ‘I have a dream’ (by slain civil rights leader the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.),” she added.
Joseph said one of the highlights of the night was a panel discussion on the theme, “From the Dream to Reality, Still Celebrating, Still Striving,” in which two judges from the club participated: Hon. Sherveal Mimes and Turquoise Haskin – both of Civil Court, Kings County.
“They spoke about their own experiences and successes and what Lionism means to them,” Joseph said. “The debate was most edifying.”
Judge Mimes told Caribbean Life afterward that “participating as a panelist in the Canarsie Lion’s 2025 Black History Month Program highlighted our collective journey and resilience.
“The theme resonated deeply with me, as it encapsulated the aspirations of Dr. Martin Luther King and countless others who have fought for justice, equality, and the type of tangible action that moves the dial,” she said. “One poignant moment concerned discussion about the development of good character, a quality Dr. King spoke about.
“All of us have an obligation to comport ourselves in a manner that is respectful and empathic to others, recognizing that, while our unique experiences may differ, the path forward is a work in progress that requires honest dialogue and commitment to a better future,” Judge Mimes added.
Judge Haskin said: “As a Canarsie Lions member, it was an honor to serve as a panelist with Judge Mimes at the Black History Month Celebration.
“The discussion was premised on Dr. King’s historic ‘I Have a Dream’ speech,” she said. “As a judge, I am committed to ensuring that all litigants and attorneys that appear before me are treated with dignity and respect, affording everyone an opportunity to be heard, and by fairly applying the law to the facts before me.
“If we all make a conscious effort to work together to address social ills, we will be that much close to seeing Dr. King’s dream come to pass,” Judge Haskin added.
The celebration featured the Rhythm in Blue Drummers and the Urban Dance Opportunities.
“The night ended with the roaring of the lions and the beating of the drums that filled the air with the liveliness of music,” Joseph said.
