STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Trailblazers were recently honored during a celebration of Staten Island actors and performing artists as part of a Black History Month celebration at the Reach Out & Touch Kingdom Building Ministries, Port Richmond.
During the Sunday afternoon event, special tributes were given to Catholic liturgist composer Grayson Warren Brown and concert pianist Dr. Vincent Craig.
Pastor Donnie Williams and his wife, Dr. Kathlyn Barrett Williams, proudly hosted the event.
Honored during the event were: actor and producer Edmund Laryea; Maya Smith Gilbert, a.k.a. Maya Da Poet; hip-hop artist Kris Cartel; orchestra conductor and violinist Yvette Washington-Wheatley; actor and producer Jessie Barnes Jr., and educator and performing artist Ife Damon.
The Joy on the Edge project received a special proclamation of recognition for its work highlighting the life of Black Staten Islanders. The project was led by Sade Powell. Shawna Salmon was present to receive the proclamation.
Students from Prall Intermediate School (I.S. 27), Curtis High School and Borough of Manhattan Community College presented original poems on racism and highlighted the accomplishments of Mae Jamieson, Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King.
Guest poet Kay Kae Goody also presented an original piece on prejudice.
