City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) alongside his Deputy Chief of Staff Farah Louis hosted the 5th Annual Shirley Chisholm Women of Distinction Celebration last Friday.
The annual ceremony is held during Women’s History Month, and is dedicated to recognizing extraordinary women in New York City who are blazing new trails in their fields and motivating and inspiring women across the country to pursue their dreams.
“Shirley Chisholm was unbought, unbossed, and unrelenting in her work, a true catalyst for change throughout her decades of pressing for progress. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to recognize these women who embody that spirit in their own work, creating positive change and inspiring others to do the same,” said Williams.
This year’s honorees included women across a diverse array of fields, ranging from music and acting to activism and education.
The women honored this year included Nadia Lopez, Author, Principal of Mott Hall Bridges Academy; Hafida Torres, Community Leader and Storyteller; Young MA, Rapper and Hip-Hop Artist; Kathryn Erbe, Actress of stage, television, and film; Anthonine Pierre, Community Leader and Activist; and Michelle Anderson, President of Brooklyn College.
Majority Leader, City Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Crown Heights) made a special guest appearance at the event, giving an address that confronted many institutional challenges and structural obstacles that women face in today’s society.
“Fifty years ago, Shirley Chisholm made herstory – paving the way for women to run for public office and advocate for social justice in our nation’s capital. Today, her legacy lives on in this year’s Women of Distinction honorees who embody her ‘unbought and unbossed’ spirit. The invaluable work of each shero has been pivotal to the creation of opportunities for all New Yorkers, particularly women to thrive,” said Cumbo.
Each honoree was presented with a City Council Proclamation and an additional proclamation from Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams before delivering a personal address.
“The trailblazers who we acknowledge this evening are incredible leaders, and now, during Women’s History Month, we celebrate them for their landmark achievements and enduring contributions to their communities and the world,” added Williams.
