At the recent Asbury Park Black History Month celebration retired fire inspector Garrett Giberson is pictured with Jessie Mae Ricks who was honored.
Asbury Park celebrated Black History Month at the 22nd Annual Black History Month Celebration Wed., Feb. 28 where longtime resident
The luncheon, which took place at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel and catered by At the Table, was made possible by a Community Development Block Grant.
The event was emceed by Traci and Lyddale Akins of Triumphant Life Church.and programming included a prayer by Reverend David Parreott Jr. and speaker Asbury Park resident and Public Arts Commission member Charles Trott, a vocal solo by Genise Hughes and a keynote speech by Reverend Quavon Newton of St. Stephen AME Zion Church.
In addition, this year’s city of Asbury Park Black History Month Community Service Award was presented to Asbury Park resident Jessie Mae Ricks, a longtime member of the Asbury Park Board of Education.
Attendees included local Community Development Block Grant recipients and other partners and members of the Asbury Park Board of Education. State and county officials also attended including Assemblywomen Margie Donlon M.D. and Luanne M. Peterpaul , Monmouth County Commissioners Erik Anderson and Susan M. Kiley, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, and Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon, Esq.
“We’re proud to celebrate Black History Month while honoring our Community Development Block Grant partners for all of their efforts,” said Councilwoman Yvonne Clayton, “The city’s CDBG funding provides opportunities to Asbury Park non-profits whose programs and services enhance the lives of our residents.”
“The city is pleased to present the Black History Month Community Service Award to Jessie Mae Ricks who has dedicated her life to advocating for equality, justice and education for all,” said Mayor John Moor. “City Council would like to thank her for her tireless efforts to support our community. We’d also like to thank Stuart Podoskly of the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel and city staff whose hard work made this extraordinary celebration possible including Community amd Cultural Affairs Director Cassandra Dickerson, Recreation Director Leesha Floyd, Public Works’ Rob Lawton and Dave Crawford, APFD Fire Official Tawhesia Gates, APFD Clerk Seymone Jeannot, APPD Sergeant Michael Casey and APPD Officer Joel Fiori.”
For more information on the city visit www.cityofasburypark.com
