A celebration of the community’s distinct.
The Caribbean American Center of New York (CACNY) honored 10 Caribbean Americans at their annual 2017 Role Models of Distinction Awards and Scholarship Benefit Gala at Grand Prospect Hall on Sept. 8. This year the organization is celebrating its 30th anniversary of its founding. Every year the event honors individuals making positive moves in their communities.
This year’s honorees included Brookdale Hospital’s Vice President Of External Affairs Khari Edwards, who became the first black VP to hold that position at the medical center, where he also heads an anti-gun program for the city’s youth and musical artist Devon Martin, better known as Lyrikal, who was honored for sponsoring programs for children.
Both men exemplify giving back to their communities, said CACNY’s Executive Director Jean Alexander.
“We are always looking for people doing things in the community to help children,” said Alexander.
Lyrikal in particular supports children locally and internationally with several initiatives.
“A lot of people don’t know this but he’s been doing a lot of fundraisers and free events for kids in Trinidad and Tobago and here in Brooklyn,” said the executive director. “As a young artist, he encourages other artists to do what he’s doing and not only focus on making money.”
Other honorees included Supreme Court Judge Sylvia G. Ash, Vice President at Goldman Sachs Georgia Forbes, Founder of Blue Channel Films, Chauncey C. Chester, President of The Eagle Academy Foundation, David C. Banks, President and CEO of Caring for Others, Eslene Richmond Shockley, President and CEO of Trinbago Shipping, Pamela Lindsay, Vice President Of Government Affairs at Charter Communications Camille Joseph-Goldman, President and CEO of WIN TV Raquel Jaikaran, and General Counsel of Department Of Probation, Wayne S. McKenzie.
The event fundraises for scholarships and training programs targeted at kids.
