Brothers Hakeem and Hasan Jeffries advocate for ‘righteous intensity’ at ASALH luncheon
By Ashleigh Fields AFRO Assistant EditorThe Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) recently held their Annual Black History Month Festival Luncheon, on Feb. 24 at the Westin in downtown Washington D.C.
The organization was founded by Carter G. Woodson, Ph.D., who is credited with the creation of the month, which recognizes Black leaders in history and their contributions.
Black History Month is an outgrowth of Negro History Week, which Woodson began Feb. 7, 1926. Each year ASALH
assigns a theme to the now monthlong celebration, with the 2024 focus being “African Americans and the Arts.”
Democratic House Leader, Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.-8) and his brother Hasan Jeffries, a history professor at the Ohio State University, participated in a panel discussion with Tiffany
AFRO Photos / AJ Johnson
Cross to highlight the influences of Black art on Black life with a special focus on the political sector.
Special guests included Non-voting Del. Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-D.C.), Sharon Pratt, former D.C. mayor, and Feven Solomon, senior advisor for public engagement at the White House.
D4 The Afro-American March 2, 2024 - March 8, 2024 To purchase this digital photo page or photos contact editor@afro.com
Moderator Tiffany Cross leads a panel discussion on the importance of voting in the 2024 presidential election with keynote panelists Hasan Jeffries and Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Leader for United States House of Representatives.
The Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.-8) participates in a panel discussion at the ASALH Annual Black History Festival Luncheon.
Dr. Hasan Jeffries, a history professor at the Ohio State University, shares his opinion on the political climate in America.
ASALH President, W. Marvin Dulaney, Ph.D., welcomes the audience to the 98th Black History Festival Luncheon.
Senior Advisor for Public Engagement for the White House Feven Solomon, presents a proclamation on behalf of the president.
Alan Williams, senior advisor for the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, bring greetings from U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris.
ASALH Executive Council Members, Dr. Gladys Gary Vaughn (left) and Dr. Sharita Jacobs Thompson, serve as co-chairs of the Luncheon Committee.
ASALH Executive Director Sylvia Y. Cyrus (left), Director of Stamp Services for the United States Postal Service, Lisa Bobb-Semple, and ASALH President, W. Marvin Dulaney, Ph.D., unveil the new Black Heritage Stamp of Constance Baker Motley.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, 31st Third District Representative Shawn R. Lacey (left), and First Vice District Representative, Craig Spraggins present a check to ASALH.
The first female mayor of Washington, D.C. Sharon Pratt (left) and current youth mayor of Washington, D.C., Lourdes Robinson.
Denise Rolark, publisher of the Washington Informer, serves as mistress of ceremonies for the 98th ASALH Black History Festival Luncheon.
Black History heroes honored at 11th Annual Black History Month Celebration
By AFRO Staff
Live! Casino and Hotel Maryland hosted the 11th Annual Black History Month Celebration on Feb. 22, with a total of 10 honorees. The event was hosted in collaboration with the Maryland Washington Minority Companies Association, and served as a salute to 2024’s Black History heroes.
AFRO Publisher and CEO Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper received an award for her dedication to making change through Black press and served as a speaker for the event. Other honorees included Everett L. Sesker, a sheriff with the Office of the Sheriff Anne Arundel County; Charlestine R. Fairley, Ph.D, chief executive officer with the Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency; Zed Smith, director of asset management for The Cordish Companies; Jennifer Jones, CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA); Sean Stinnett a liaison and compliance supervisor with the Maryland Department of General Services; Rodney William Pitts III, posthumously recognized for making the ultimate sacrifice as a firefighter and emergency medical technician with the Baltimore City Fire Department; Wesley Stith, vice president of Clark Construction Group; Kishia L. Powell, general manager and CEO of WSSC Water and Chrissy M. Thornton, CEO of Associated Black Charities.
B4 The Afro-American March 2, 2024 - March 8, 2024 AFRO Photos/ James Fields To purchase this digital photo page or photos contact editor@afro.com
Honorees and supporters of the 11th Annual Black History Month Celebration:
Front row: Kishia L. Powell (left), Jenner Jones, Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, Charlestine R. Fairley and Monica Gant. Back row: Wayne R. Frazier Sr. (left), Tamara Stinnett, Everett L. Sesker, Wesley Stith, Chrissy M. Thornton, Zed Smith and Ryan Eller.
A total of ten honorees were recognized as 2024 Black History Heroes on Feb. 22 at Live! Casino and Hotel Maryland.
Dr. Michael Gill and Dr. Marlyn Aklin
Calvin Ball, executive for Howard County, speaks to the crowd.
Ryan Eller, executive vice president and general manager for Live! Casino and Hotel Maryland.
Wayne R. Frazier Sr. is president of the Maryland Washington Minority Companies Association, which helped host the event.
AFRO Publisher and CEO Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper serves as keynote speaker.
Ramsey L. Harris, senior vice president and Greater Maryland market manager for community development banking and the Corporate Responsibility Group at PNC, addresses those in attendance for the 11th Annual Black History Month Celebration in Anne Arundel County.
Bill Grimmette enjoys the ceremony.
Wayne R. Frazier Sr. (left), with Honoree Charlestine R. Fairley, Ph.D, who serves as chief executive officer for the Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency, and Zed Smith.
Savannah Wood, executive director of Afro Charities makes an appearance.