A Special ‘Thank You’ to Mayor Byron W. Brown
On Friday, March 22, 2024, Mayor Byron Brown celebrated Women’s History Month at City Hall recognizing women in Buffalo who have advocated for Diversity and Inclusion in Buffalo. I would like to thank Mayor Brown for presenting me with the Trailblazer Award. I was one of four women to receive this honor. There were 17 women honored in various categories.
It was a well-organized program. The welcome was given by Mayor Brown and Majority Leader and District Councilwoman, Leah M. Halton Pope. The Mistress of Ceremonies was Lauren Hall, Anchor for WGRZ’s Most Buffalo. The invocation was given by Pastor Betty Pierce Williams, Assistant Pastor and Director of Pastoral Care at Elim Christian Fellowship. The City of Bufalo’s Poet Laureate, Aitina Fareed-Cooke presented the spoken word.
The presentations of awards was by Mayor Brown and Majority Leader Leah M. Halton-Pope. The Awardees included:
Arts – Dr. Michele Acosto, Director of Arts, Buffalo Public Schools
Business – Amy Bueme, Owner of Catalyst Fitness; Keisha “Nikki” Searles, Owner/Operater of Sushine Vegan Eats
Education – Dr. Barbara Seals Nevergold, Co-founder of Uncrowned Queens for Research and Education on Women, Institute
Education – Dr. Peggy Brooks-Bertram, Co-Founder of Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research and Education on Women, Inc.
Education – Dr. Dori Marshall, Chief Medical Officer, Oishei Children’s Hospitial
Faith Based – Sister Mary Johnice Rzadkiewicz. Executive Director of Response to Love Center
Health – Dr. Parmalier D. Murphy, Dentist
Law Enforcement – Dawn Kent, Deputy Police Commissioner
Administration and Finance, Buffalo Police Department
Law Enforcement, Trini Ross, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York
Public Service – Esmeralda Sierra, Vice-President of the Hispanic Council of Western New York, Inc.
Youth – Antoinette Amos, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion officer, Buffalo Public Schools
Breaking Barriers in City Hall, Lumari Garcia, Supervisor of Mainten
The Trailblazer Awardees included:
Dr. Ellen E. Grant, Executive Director, Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Education at Roswell Park; Alice F. Jacobs, Innovation Philanthropist and Strategist, AKG Art Museum; Dr. Rosa Gonzalez, SUNY Erie Emergency Management Department Chair; Dr. Eva M. Doyle, Educator and Author.
Closing remarks for the program were given by Dr. Callie Johnson, City of Buffalo, Deputy Mayor of Community Engagement. The Benediction was given by Pastor Betty Pierce Williams.
This Columnist would like to congratulate all of the Honorees and the Committee of distinguished individuals for planning such an inspirational program!! It was an honor to be in the room with such amazing and accomplished women!!