Councilman King Hosts Mayor Dinkins, NAACP NYS President Hazel Dukes at Evander Child’s Black History Youth Empowerment Event

New York City Councilman Andy King and the Bronx Youth Empowerment Program hosted a “Celebrating Our History” program at 11 a.m Wednesday at Evander Childs High School Campus in the Northeast Bronx, honoring former Mayor David Dinkins and activist NAACP New York State Conference President Hazel Dukes, to a large crowd of school children in the high school’s historic library.

Councilman Andy King, introducing the program.  “Men, brothers, if you have a hat on your head, take it off today, don’t worry about it, we’re going natural today.”

“…We get to hear stories from those who walked history.We get to see living history, live and in color, as would one say when I was growing up, when I was your age, and I’m not that much older than you.

While the former Mayor’s appearance was a highlight,  fellow honoree Hazel Dukes gave these powerful remarks:

 Hon. David Dinkins and Hazel Dukes

Dukes, a prominent civil rights activist in the 1960s and NAACP NY State President, as well as campaigner for progressive elected officials, she has been honored with the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Social Action Award in 1976, the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Sojurner Truth Award in 1977; Dollar and Sense magazine, Salute to African American Women in 1989; the New York City Human Rights Commission, Award for Outstanding Contribution to Social Justice in 1985; the B’nai B’rith, Award for Promoting Justice and Interracial Harmony in  1990 and an honorary doctorate from the City University of New York Law School at Queens College in 1990.  She is  President of the NAACP New York State Conference and a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors, a member of the NAACP Executive Committee and well as and active member of various NAACP board sub-committees.

Read more on Ms. Dukes here.

Students from Evander Childs and other local schools listening to the presentation.

Councilman King speaking on African American history and role models.

The Councilman played a key role in preparations for the event, working  with the students before the event.

Photo c/o facebook.com (Bronx YEP)

Lynn Norman, a local resident of the Boston-Secor Houses and Senior Center, had these words on her support and attendance of the event:

“…We want to let these kids know we’re here for the because they are tomorrow’s generation,” said Norman.  “There’s a lawyer in here, these’s a nurse in here, there’s a President in here!”

A musical tribute.

A spoken word piece from an Evander alum speaking about race, class and identity.

Evander Childs High School, E. Gun Hill Rd.

Students from PS 76The Bennington School also attended, among students from other elementary schools such as PS 121.