KINGSTON, N.Y. — Local business and community leaders gathered Thursday at the Ulster Savings Bank headquarters on Schwenk Drive for the fifth annual Black Business Community Celebration.
The event opened with a short set of songs by the Instrument of Praise Gospel Choir, which drew cheers and no shortage of “amens” from the audience.
The event featured a keynote speech by human rights leader Erica Ford and awards honoring five Black business owners and community leaders. The event also drew area business and non-profit leaders and local and state elected officials.
Ford, visiting Kingston for the first time, said it’s important to stick to your game plan even when there are obstacles in the way, offering an example of the New York Knicks’ recent NBA championship victory.
She said she wants to see a world where people don’t fall into “silos,” which she said can lead to hate and division.
Ford was also selling signed copies of her books “The Peace Doctor’s Playbook” and “Soul Tina & The Peace Doctor.” She has been featured on national TV networks, including CNN and MSNBC, and in national publications such as The New York Times and O, the Oprah Magazine.
Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce Vice President Jess Davis said 225 people had registered for the event, sponsored by the chamber alongside Ulster County Tourism and Black History Month Kingston
The winner of the Black Business Excellence Award was Eddie Parker, owner of EAP Productions DJ Service. Parker is a retired employee of the state office of Children and Family Services.
Sharon Williams, director of the Ulster County Office of Employment and Training, was awarded the Black Business Leadership Award, while the Maude Bruce Community Award went to Mia F. Howard, chief executive officer of Scrub Masters Plus Corp.
The Ripple Effect Award was bestowed to Frank Waters, founder and executive director of non-profit youth organization MyKingstonKids. Waters said he was honored to recieve the award.
“This award means so much because it reminds me of the lessons my father taught me about dreaming big, serving others and never giving up,” Waters said. “Every project I’ve created has been my attempt to create a positive ripple that helps someone else.”
Waters praised the awards.
“Black culture has always been a source of innovation and strength,” Waters said. “These awards honor those carrying that legacy forward every day.”
This year’s Young Black Leader Award went to Naimah Armstrong, a licensed clinical social worker at the Kingston City School District and entrepreneur who operates Crowned From Ashes, providing therapeutic counseling.