The 2022 Trailblazers Awards Ceremony was held virtually this year with portions filmed at the Jay Estate including welcome remarks by Westchester Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins and Jay Heritage Center President Suzanne Clary. The Jay Estate is one of 16 sites on Westchester County’s African American Heritage Trail.
Jenkins applauded JHC for offering educational programs about Black history and social justice to the public for decades. The kiosk behind them is one that introduces visitors to Caesar Valentine, a man known to have been enslaved and freed by the Jay family in Rye and buried somewhere on the original farm (which today includes the Jay Estate and the adjacent nature preserve Marshlands Conservancy) with his ancestors. New research has revealed that Caesar had a family and descendants.
Honorees were elected by the African American Advisory Board chaired by Barbara Edwards, Esq. including:
Health and Human Services
“Dr. Valiere Alcena Award”
Dial Hewlett, Jr., MD, FACP, FIDSA
Education
“Cecil H. Parker Award”
Belinda S. Miles, Ed.D.
Special Video Tribute to Reginald Lafayette
Read about past celebrations here:
2021 Trailblazers
2020 Trailblazers
2019 Trailblazers
2018 Trailblazers
2017 Trailblazers
2016 Trailblazers
2015 Trailblazers
2014 Trailblazers