MAAHF Awards Local Leaders at 2018 Honoree Luncheon
MONTCLAIR, NJ – The Montclair African-American Heritage Foundation hosted the 2018 Honoree Luncheon on Sunday, April 29th, as one of several upcoming events leading up to the 29th Annual Montclair African-American Heritage festival and parade held on June 2 at Nishuane Park in Montclair.
The theme for this year is: Nia (purpose) “to make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.”
The luncheon was held at Flowerland in West Caldwell. The Grand Marshals, Ambassadors and other family and friends were treated to an elegantly laid buffet prepared by Sandwiches Unlimited.
The Grand Marshals include: Montclair Child Development Center, Inc. and Montclair Grassroots.
Founded in 1965, MCDC services children and families in the Essex County area with locations in Montclair, Glenridge and Orange. Under the leadership of Executive Director Tanya Poteat, MCDC receives over 6.5 Million annually along with donations and grants.
Montclair Grass Roots, which celebrates 50 years of providing summer camp activities for children since 1968, was founded by Wallace and Celine Choice. The program started with 35 children servicing up to 800 young people in one summer ages 3 to 16. To date, the program has serviced more than 15,000 campers and has provided job opportunities for over 1200 counselors.
Celine Choice commented on the longevity of the program saying, “We would like to thank all of the parents, campers, counselors and supporters of Montclair Grass Roots for their participation and confidence in our program.”
She added, “We will do everything possible to continue earning your trust in providing a safe, well supervised and enjoyable exciting summer experience for you and your children.”
Ambassadors for this year’s honorees include:
Adele Clark Katz, Founder of Sister to Sister mentoring program, S.O.F.A. and co founder of Brother to Brother
Detective Kim L. Nelson-Edwards, member Montclair Police Department since 1995 Juvenile Detective Aid Bureau, recording secretary for the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.
Dr. F. Dein Rice (posthumously) physician, educator, humanitarian for more than 30 years of service.
Charles R. Williams, Sr., former director of MNDC, co-founder of Project Oasis and coach.
Jr. Ambassador Adarian Sneed, graduating senior of Montclair High school with GPA 4.6 and in the fall will be attending Wake Forrest University.
Sneed said, “I know that we depend on one another for more than others may imagine. I’m excited about my generation and look forward to building on and contributing to the rich legacy that those before us toiled to achieve.”
Co-chairs, Bonnie Taylor and Albert Pelham welcomed the attendees.
Taylor said, “As co-chairs, we are blessed once again to lead this team. We have no paid staff and all committee members are volunteers to make sure that a vision started 29 years ago continues to grow bigger and better every year.”
Mayor Robert Jackson and 4th ward Councilwoman Renee Baskerville both echoed congratulations to each recipient and recognizing MAAHF in putting together the luncheon.
Following a video of the honorees, they were called one by one to receive their recognition plaques and proclamations provided by the New Jersey Legislation and presented by Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake.
Certificates of Recognition were also presented to Corey Scott Anderson by Toi Blount for his community service and to Andrea Brown Ward of the Scholarship committee of MAAHF for continued support towards the MAAHF scholarship fund.
The afternoon closed out with dancing.
For information for the Montclair African-American Heritage Foundation, go to: www.maahf.org