in partnership with

NAACP HEMPSTEAD branch

welcome to the black legacy awards

As we kickoff Juneteenth 2024, the Black Legacy Awards brings the ultimate celebration of Black Excellence on Long Island. We acknowledge individuals, local businesses and creative minds whose remarkable achievements and significant contributions have left an indelible mark in business, the arts, the community and our lives. This year’s Black Legacy Awards celebration promises to be extra special, as we come together in partnership with the NAACP Hempstead Branch with pride to uplift the outstanding talent within our community. Our distinguished recipients will be recognized in the areas of social change, global impact, entrepreneurialism and creative arts. From social relevancy and influence to cultural impact, this year’s honorees have not only shaped the business landscape, but have also contributed significantly to the cultural fabric of Long Island and communities of color. We are honored to celebrate their enduring legacies at this year’s Black Legacy Awards.

Since its inception in 2020, Long Island-based Black Legacy Partners has become a critical platform for promoting and supporting Black entrepreneurs, creators, and artists to connect, build and thrive. We offer a strong culture of collaboration, unity and accountability and are committed to a world without racism where Black and marginalized people enjoy equitable opportunities. We use our experience, passion, connections, and influence to build a legacy, share resources, not only for us, but also our community at large. Black Legacy Partners is a registered 501c(3) nonprofit organization.

ABOUT US

hISTORY & SIGNIFICANCE

On June 17th, 2021, President Biden signed the legislation surrounded by members of the Congressional Black Caucus officially making Juneteenth, a day commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States, a national holiday. Juneteenth serves as a day to recognize the achievements of the Black community, while also providing an important opportunity for self-reflection on the systemic injustices that our society still face today. "We have come far, and we have far to go. But today is a day of celebration. It is not only a day of pride. It's also a day for us to reaffirm and rededicate ourselves to action,” said Vice President Kamala Harris.

With our aligned commitment to the community, we are excited to present our inaugural Black Legacy Awards to highlight and celebrate deserving individuals.

Read the Official Press Release

2024 Black Legacy Awards Photos

2024 Black Legacy award recipients

The John Lewis Champion of Social Change Award

Hon. David A. Paterson

Former Governor of New York,

Sr. Vice President/Sr. Advisor, Las Vegas Sands Corp

The shirley Chisholm community activism award

Chaplain Dr. Ingrid Lewis-Martin

Chief Advisor to New York City Mayor Eric Adams

GLOBAL IMPACT award

Derek Peterson

Founder & CEO, Soter Technologies

long island entrepreneur achievement of the year

Sophia Forbes

Owner, Tropical Jerk and Seafood Restaurants

creative artist of the year

Nigel W. Gretton

Director of Performing Arts, St. John’s University

SPECIAL REMARKS PRESENTED BY

Letitia James

New York Attorney General

Antonio Delgado

Lieutenant Governor

of New York State

Wilma Holmes-Tootle

Immediate Past President, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Long Island Chapter

enjoy a powerful musical performance from
The Concert Chorale of Harlem

The Concert Chorale of Harlem Inc (TCCH) is a New York based non-profit performing arts organization of 16 classically trained Black opera singers and musicians who have individually performed in the world's most prominent venues, including but not limited to, the Metropolitan Opera, Chicago Lyric Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Carnegie Hall, and San Francisco Opera.