Seven Brooklyn women who have made a substantial contribution to improving their borough, from business owners to environmental activists, were recently recognized at Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn’s signature Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony at the esteemed Brooklyn College.
Representatives from prominent Brooklyn-area political parties, including Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, NYS Attorney General Letitia James, NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and Councilwoman Rita Joseph, spoke at the event in honor of the “SHEroes” and to discuss the advancement of women.
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Bichotte Hermelyn, the Haitian American representative for the 42nd Assembly District, who also heads the Brooklyn Democratic Party remarked, “We’re not only celebrating Women’s History Month by honoring our past trailblazers but also recognizing the women of today who are speaking up, inspiring others and working hard to put our community on a better path.”
The Democratic leader noted that the award is a show of appreciation to outstanding women who have contributed to the development of District 42 through their work.
Many of the politicians who participated in the discussion are pioneers in their own right, including Adrienne E. Adams, the first Black woman council speaker who is described as another ” remarkable trailblazer”.
The Phenomenal women who were awarded as Women of Distinction are:
Jennifer Searles- Author and poet Jennifer Searles is a recipient of the Art & Entertainment Award. Searles’ inspiring poetry, which is rightfully referred to as the “Poetic Jewel,” has been commended by Dr. Maya Angelou and others and has been read throughout New York and the country.
Ume-Kulsoom Butt- a manager and business & entrepreneurship awardee for the American Council on Minority Women, as well as an event planner. Butt creates uplifting community activities through the organization devoted to encouraging minority women, such as the yearly Chand Raat festival, food pantries, Toys for Tots handouts, and much more.
Shawn Alyse Campbell- At Community Board 14, district manager and recipient of the Community Engagement Award. She’s an expert in the areas where the public, private, and independent sectors cross. A seasoned supporter of ensuring that governmental institutions provide effective and equitable services to citizens and their communities.
Fanny Ralbag, First Lady of the Avenue of Israel K and Education Awardee. Ralbag revived the field of Herbriac-Jewish studies while she was a resident of Holland with her distinctive approach. She has progressed post-graduate adult Herbriac-Jewish studies in the community since moving to Brooklyn in the 1980s.
Lupe Ramsey, director of Economic Development at Flatbush Development Corporation and Environmental Activism Awardee– Ramsey links small businesses and residents to programs that encourage safe, clean, and green streets. She has been a community champion for more than 20 years.
Mari G. Milet – president & CEO of Morris Heights Health Center, Inc. (MHHC) and Health Awardee– Millet’s efforts to assist MHHC to preserve and enhance lives via structural reform, financial stability, community collaborations, fostering community leadership, and forming connections. She has collaborated with key players and has been chosen to oversee the construction of 11 more health clinics around the city.
Pastor Donna Baptiste – Founder, CEO, and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award of Donna Baptiste Ministries. In addition to preaching both domestically and abroad, Pastor Baptiste is the creator of the From Seed to Harvest Non-Profit, Business, and Ministry Development Seminar as well as the tri-state and national radio host of the Pursuing God Radio Program.
Esther Debbie Louis was also honored; according to Bichotte Hermelyn, she received a prize from the NYS Women’s Legislative Women’s Caucus for her exceptional efforts in community service, in electoral reform, and civic involvement.
The event’s Mistress of Ceremony, “Brooklyn COVID Hero” and veteran community activist Joan Bakiriddin, introduced a group of speakers who celebrated the recipients’ accomplishments while also considering the advancements achieved in women’s leadership.
“I stand here before you humbly and proudly to represent the first-ever woman-majority City Council, with 31 women strong,” Speaker Adams exclaimed, with her heart overflowing with joy and pride.
The NYS Legislature has more Black women serving than any other State in “our whole history,” according to State Sen. Kevin S. Parker, who represents Brooklyn’s 21st Senate District.
Councilmember Rita Joseph, a Haitian-born representative for Brooklyn’s 40th Council District, said that “there is still much progress to be made for women’s equity.” She continued, “Women being honored today have broken glass ceilings and broken barriers…and inspired countless women to pursue their dreams and aspirations.”
Dr. Marie Cerat, the special presenter, is the associate director of the CUNY Haitian Studies Institute at the venue where the event was held. She also spoke about the significance of remembering the “women on whose shoulders we stand,” like abolitionist Harriet Beacher Stowe, to encourage the following generation to “make good trouble.”
