State Comptroller Honored By Associated Black Charities
The New Voice of New York
February 12-20, 2002
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Percy Sutton, H. Carl McCall and Ed Bradley
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The
16th Annual Black History Makers Awards Dinner, presented by New York City's Associated
Black Charities, which is marking its 20th anniversary, was held last week at
the Marriott Marquis Hotel. Ed Bradley, veteran newsman and co-host CBS Television's
60 Minute's, marked his 11th year of hosting the gala, which recognizes the achievements
of outstanding African-Americans. The elegant "Immortal" Award were
presented to New York State Comptroller H. Carl McCall and Civil and Human Rights
Activist Dick Gregory.
A special video presentation of renowned poet Maya Angelou reciting her work "Still
I Rise" set the theme for the evening with its spirit and tone of steely
resolve and unalterable determination in this post September 11 era. Bill Cosby
also provided a special message. Famed entertainer and comedian Alan King presented
Mr. Gregory with his award; the honorable Percy Sutton bestowed Mr. McCall with
his honor.
In 1994 McCall was elected New York State Comptroller and thus became the first
African-American ever to win a statewide political office in New York. His re-election
in 1998 marked the validation of his personal approach to life and the lessons
learned from his mother as a youth growing up in poverty-stricken Roxbury, Massachusetts.
Mr. McCall's mother stressed personal determination and her oft-repeated motto
of "it can be done" became his mantra through an extraordinary life
and career of service and success.
Mr. McCall is a graduate of Dartmouth College as well as Andover Newton Theological
Seminary and the University of Edinburgh; he was appointed as Ambassador to the
United Nations and Commissioner of the New York State Division of Human Rights,
President of the New York City Board of Education and Commissioner of the Port
Authority; he was elected to the New York State Senate and to the Board of Directors
of the New York Stock Exchange. Today, he is the first African-American candidate
for Governor of New York, proving once again that it can be done.
At immeasurable personal and financial sacrifice, Richard "Dick"
Claxton Gregory, by personal example through books, film and television, entertainment
and dialogue, has worked tirelessly to unshutter racial ignorance, real and feigned,
from the closet of the American mindset. Burdened by poverty, yet bolstered by
the determined beliefs of a mother who single-handedly raised six children, Gregory
has dedicated his life to breaking down racial barriers. "You start out in
darkness and keep moving," he says. "Joy cometh in the morning."
A pioneer in the entertainment world - opening doors for the stars that would
follow such as Richard Pryor, Flip Wilson and Bill Cosby - Gregory used satire
and humor to target poverty, segregation and to shed light on
the darkness of America's racism. An unflagging supporter of the Civil Rights
Movement, he has worked in all the corners of the globe to stir consciences and
move hearts to recognize the dignity and divinity of every human being. He is
the author of 15 books on subjects ranging from his autobiography, the plight
of Black people in America, to health and nutrition.
Rayton Gerald, the chairman of the board of directors of Associated Black Charities,
said, "With the work in mind that Associated Black Charities and its member
agencies do daily in helping less fortunate African and Hispanic Americans in
New York City Rise from very dire circumstances and the searing memory of the
September 11 tragedy in New York City, Maya Angelou's "Still I Rise"
was selected as the theme for the Sixteenth Annual Black History Makers Awards
Dinner. Dick Gregory and H. Carl McCall embody the very essence of "Still
I Rise."
Associated Black Charities' mission is "to promote the delivery of quality
health and human services" to New York's African American Community. Founded
19 years ago, Associated Black Charities is a federation of 26 community-based
health and human service agencies which serve more than 175,000 clients annually.
The primary purpose and task of Associated Black Charities itself is fund-raising.
Funds raised are distributed to member agencies. In addition to financial assistance,
Associated Black Charities also secures management and technical assistance for
its members. Finally, among its other activities, Associated Black Charities assists
member agencies to educate and to promote constructive dialogue among public and
corporate officials and the community at large through organizing and convening
seminars and conferences, publication of treaties, and other forums about health
and human service issues affecting the community.
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