African American

Each February, the Westchester County hosts a Trailblazer Awards celebration for Black History Month.  The award recognizes outstanding citizens who have made substantial contributions to Westchester County.  This annual event has been well attended and received by community leaders and major organizations throughout the county.

During its annual Black History Month Program on Feb. 20, 2007, County Executive Andy Spano and the African American Advisory Board  honored several outstanding African American citizens.  You can enjoy moments from the 2007 Trailblazer Awards ceremony.  We also encourage you to visit Westchester TV to view additional videos on the Trailblazer awards.

The recipients who received this year's Trailblazer Awards in the fields of civics, arts and culture, religion, economic development and education, listed below, join a growing and impressive list of highly distinguished honorees.

Adine Ray Usher
Special Education Teacher, staff developer, and a consultant for United Cerebral Palsy
Education
(Cecil Parker Award)

Lowell F. Hawthorne
President and chief executive officer of Golden Crust Caribbean  Bakery and Grill
Economic Development
(Madame C. J. Walker Award)

Lorna F. Hawthorne
Co-founder of Golden Crust Caribbean Bakery and chief executive officer of American Crust, Inc. /DBA Golden Crust Bakery
Economic Development
(The Madame C. J. Walker Award)

Thomas A. Watkins, Jr.
Community leader and head of the Machine Technology Department of Prairie View A & M University
Civic
(The Betty Shabazz Award)

John Carter
First African American film editor
Editing credits include:  Eye on NY, Madea’s Family Reunion, Johnson Family Vacation, Barbershop, Men of Honor, Five Heart Beats and Lean on Me.
Arts and Culture
(The Cab Calloway Award)

Rodney J. Reynolds
President of RJR Communications, Inc.,  founder and publisher of American Legacy magazine and executive producer of American Legacy television
Publishing
(The Alger Adams Award)