Tony Award-Winning Actress Recognized as a Historic HARLEM WEEK Leader
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of HARLEM WEEK, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce hosted an end-of-year reception where it saluted one of its four historic honorees and recognized other legends. The festive affair took place at the Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel and included a special guest appearance from Tony Award-winning actress and Historic Honoree Dr. Phylicia Rashad.
“2024 has been a year of profound reflection,” Lloyd Williams, Harlem WEEK Founder and CEO of Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce wrote in the reception program. “Ms. Rashad has been a strong supporter of HARLEM WEEK and other community initiatives of GHCC for many years.” The TV, film actress, producer and director will make her Broadway directorial debut in playwright Branden Jacob-Jenkins’ Purpose in early 2025.
NY1 Senior Anchor, one of New York City leading on-air talents, Cheryl Wills, served as host for Rashad’s special presentation. Actor-producer Ruben Santiago-Hudson, and legendary Broadway publicist Irene Gandy presented Dr. Rashad with HARLEM WEEK’S 50th Anniversary Historic Honoree award. Fellow Historic Honoree Hon. Charles B. Rangel was in attendance to support.
The evening concluded with a farewell salute to Harlem New York State Assembly Member Hon. Inez Dickens who will be retiring at the end of this year. During her prolific career, Dickens carved many pioneering pathways in both the New York City Council and New York State Assembly. For decades, she aggressively lobbied for legislation that not only benefited Harlem residents but the entire city and state of New York.
Born into a political family, Inez is the daughter of Lloyd Dickens, one of Harlem’s iconic real estate and business leaders who also served on the New York State Assembly and was the second black president of the Uptown Chamber of Commerce (predecessor of the GHCC). In recognition of her unwavering commitment to the village of Harlem the GHCC presented Dickens with a commemorative ring.