2025 Black Power Players

Sean M. Decatur is president of the American Museum of Natural History. Since joining the Museum in April 2023, he has presided over the opening of the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation; has prioritized and accelerated the Museum’s work to address its challenging historical legacy, collecting practices, and cultural representation; and has become a spokesperson for the ways museums can redress past practices, include more diverse perspectives, and serve broader audiences.

Antonio Delgado was appointed lieutenant governor of New York State by Governor Kathy Hochul in May 2022. Lieutenant Governor Delgado is a graduate of Colgate University and Harvard Law School and previously represented New York’s 19th Congressional district. He  was the first person of color to represent upstate New York in Congress. While there, he focused on improving the lives of New Yorkers, working with local, state, and federal partners to get results.

Mylan Denerstein is a litigation partner and co-chair of Gibson Dunn’s Public Policy Practice Group. She serves as global chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee and is co-partner in charge of the New York Office. Mylan leads complex criminal and civil litigation and internal investigations, and is known for her deep knowledge of New York State. In 2022, Mylan was appointed to serve as the independent NYPD monitor to oversee the court ordered reform process.

Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, a civil rights activist, has dedicated more than seven decades advocating to achieve racial diversity, equity and inclusion to bring long-lasting social change. She is a woman of great strength and courage with an unwavering commitment to public service. Her dedication to human rights and equality is unmatched. Dr. Dukes is a dynamic leader who is known for her unselfish track record for improving the quality of life in NYS.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My mother was my biggest inspiration, she was a Christian who loved everyone.

What is the proudest moment in your career so far?
Watching the first woman and first Black woman, Kamala Harris, become the United States Vice President.

Michelle Ebanks became president and chief executive officer of The Apollo in July 2023. Ms. Ebanks joined The Apollo – the largest African American performing arts center in the nation – at a pivotal time for the iconic organization. In addition to its new Victoria Theaters that opened in 2024, The Apollo will shortly commence the first full-scale renovation of its landmarked Historic Theater and complete its $80M Apollo Rising 2.0 capital campaign.

Atiba T. Edwards is the first Black man to serve as president and CEO of the 125-year-old Brooklyn Children’s Museum. Edwards began as chief operating officer and executive vice president. During his tenure, Edwards oversaw the opening of a state-of-the-art auditorium and natural sciences makerspace, plus a surge in visitorship and philanthropic support. Edwards was born in St. Vincent & The Grenadines and grew up in Brownsville, Brooklyn. He graduated from the University of Michigan.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
Gordon Parks. The stories he told through photography document and capture so many of life’s joys and struggles in a way that reminds us how far we have come and how much can still be done. He spoke out through photographs and movies, and he used those visual mediums to have a bigger, longer-lasting impact than words.

Is there a Black-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
I’m a fan of The Brooklyn Circus, or BKc, and how they weave storytelling, visuals, and fashion together in inspiring ways that maintain deep roots and heritage. I’ve gotten to know the founder, Ouigi Theodore, since the business’ early days around 2008-2010 and watched it grow from a small storefront selling other brands and t-shirts into the amazing design studio it is today.

What is the proudest moment in your career so far?
I visited BCM often as a kid. Returning to lead this historic institution has been my proudest achievement. Being back has illuminated so many threads in my life that were first sparked at this Museum and that carried me through, including my perpetual state of curiosity and desire to learn. Now I witness hundreds of thousands of kids who come through our doors today discover those same sparks and connect to those same threads.

Nathaniel Fields, CEO of Urban Resource Institute, leads the nation’s largest provider of domestic violence and homeless shelters, supporting 3,500 individuals nightly across 24 NYC shelters. Under his leadership, URI has launched innovative programs like People and Animals Living Safely (PALS) and serves around 40,000 people annually. A dedicated advocate for systemic change, Nathaniel’s work fosters hope and community empowerment, pushing the boundaries of social innovation to uplift vulnerable populations.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
I’m inspired every day by the resilience of the survivors of domestic violence and homeless families we serve at URI. Their strength and determination to rebuild their lives is truly remarkable. I’m equally inspired by our dedicated staff and community partners who work tirelessly to break the cycles of abuse, poverty, and trauma. Together, they remind me that real change is possible when we come together with compassion, commitment, and a shared vision for justice.

Is there a Black-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
Urban Resource Institute – a Black-led nonprofit where I have the privilege of serving as CEO. URI is one of the few organizations in the US with leadership that truly reflects the communities we serve. The majority of our employees are BIPOC, and we provide trauma-informed support to 3,500 individuals nightly across 24 shelters for survivors of domestic violence and homeless families. Equity and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do.

What is the proudest moment in your career so far?
One of my proudest moments has been leading URI’s 40+year growth into a transformative force for survivors, now with nearly 1,000 staff members dedicated to breaking cycles of abuse and trauma. I’m especially proud of innovative programs like APIP, which addresses abusive behaviors, and PALS, the nation’s largest pet-inclusive shelter program. Last year, we expanded PALS into homeless shelters, allowing families and their animals to heal together – an achievement that exemplifies URI’s mission to empower survivors.

On November 2, 2021, Vanessa L. Gibson was elected as the 14th Bronx borough president, entrusted with serving the over 1.4 million residents and families who call the Bronx home. With experience in the New York State Assembly and the NYC Council, she has consistently prioritized her constituents’ needs in her policy work. As borough president, Ms. Gibson is committed to empowering the communities she represents.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
Growing up, my mother was my greatest inspiration. She sacrificed countless hours and energy to ensure I had the opportunities I needed to succeed. Though she is no longer physically with me, her strength, resilience, and love continue to guide me every day. Her unwavering support shaped who I am today, and her spirit remains a powerful force in my life, reminding me to always push forward and honor the legacy of her sacrifice.

Is there a Black-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
Code Red in the East Bronx to get traditional home-cooked Jamaican food.

What is the proudest moment in your career so far?
One of my proudest accomplishments as borough president was passing the Right to Counsel, guaranteeing housing representation for low-income tenants in NYC, a critical victory alongside then-Council Member Mark Levine. Additionally, investing over $30 million in Bronx schools was a testament to my commitment to our youth and future. Together, we’re making lasting changes that will uplift our communities for generations to come.

George Gresham is president of 1199SEIU, the nation’s largest health care union. Under his leadership, 1199SEIU has secured industry-leading job standards for caregivers and positioned the union as a major force for advancing progressive causes throughout New York and nationally. He began his career in the housekeeping department at Columbia Presbyterian, and over four decades has held nearly every position in the Union, from member delegate to president, a title which he has had since 2007.

A native of Haiti, Nancy Hagans, BSN, RN, CCRN, has worked at Maimonides Medical Center for 32 years. She serves as president of National Nurses United, vice president of the New York City Central Labor Council, and vice president of the AFL-CIO. Under her tenure as NYSNA president, NYSNA members navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, won groundbreaking safe staffing legislation, and achieved historic contract victories for quality patient care, fair pay and benefits, and worker safety.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
Rosa Parks for having the strength to say no, and my mother who reminds me every day to fight not just for today but to fight for the future. When I’m down she’s the one that lifts me up.

What is the proudest moment in your career so far?
I had a patient that everybody gave up on and I continued to work with that patient. Then one day that patient started responding and I got to see him go home. I’m also so proud of the groundbreaking contract victories that we have achieved.