MAYOR GIULIANI HOSTS THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN BUSINESS AWARDS RECEPTION AT GRACIE MANSION
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani joined leaders of New York's African-American business community this evening at Gracie Mansion for the annual African-American Business Awards. The Mayor presented awards to nine outstanding African-American business executives and also presented a proclamation observing African-American History Month to Fred D. Parris, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge.
Also joining the Mayor at the reception were Deputy Mayor Rudy Washington, Commissioner Earl Andrews, Jr. of the City's Department of Business Services, and New York City Sheriff Teresa Mason.
"While African-American leaders like the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and author James Baldwin are celebrated for their tremendous contributions to society, we believe it is also essential to recognize the vitality of the African-American business community and the entrepreneurs who are committed to economic development," Mayor Giuliani said. "In fact, the African-American business community has become a role model for all communities in our city. Through hard work and entrepreneurial sprit, the African-American business community is working to realize a better life for themselves, their families and the people they employ and serve. It is that hard work and entrepreneurial spirit that we honor tonight."
The following awards were presented:
- Lifetime Achievement Award to Richard T. Greene, Sr., Director, Board Of Directors, Carver Federal Savings Bank.
- Outstanding Business Award to Carlton A. Brown, Full Spectrum Building & Development, Inc.
- Special Achievement Business Award to Wesley D. Ratcliff, President/CEO, Advanced Technological Solutions, Inc.
- Family Achievement Business Award to Herbert and Sylvia Woods, Founders, Sylvia's Restaurant
- Community Business Award to Rudolph Battle, Founder, Battle Construction Corp.
- Bidmatch Business Award to Christian Mensah and Edward Sambolah of Dee Best Consumer Services
- Emerging Business Award to James Peterson, Founder/CEO, J&P Caterers
The invocation for the evening was delivered by the Rev. Dr. John Brandon of the Aldergate Church and a musical selection was performed by Alisa Cumberbatch. Corporate sponsors of the evening included Arista Records, Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Seagram Americas, Heineken USA, Cobrand Inc., N2K Encoded Music, RCA Records/Black Music, Revlon Cosmetics, Sony Music Entertainment Inc., and the American Express Foundation. Food for the evening was provided by Sylvia's, J&P Caterers and the Table Top Restaurant.
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