“As we move forward, let us draw strength from those in the past who were courageous enough to question the predominant beliefs of the day, and those who were brave enough to stand up for justice and equal opportunity,” Comptroller Thompson said in remarks delivered to more than 700 people. “We need to teach our children about the struggles and the victories of the civil rights movement, not just in February, but all year, and every year. We should remember that a good education is the greatest investment we can make in our children’s future and in our society’s future.”

During the event, held at Local 32 BJ SEIU in Manhattan, Thompson noted the strides that have been made since the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown vs. Board of Education, which found separate educational facilities were inherently unequal.

“The highest court in our country finally recognized the rights of all children to enjoy equal access to schools and educational services,” Thompson said. “That decision set into motion the events that formed the earliest chapters of the civil rights movement. We have come so far since then…But the fight is so very far from over.”

“The struggle for equal access to quality education, in particular, continues in full force to this day. Here in New York, we are still fighting to make sure that our schools receive the resources they need to ensure that every child has the opportunity to receive a good education.”

The Jamaica, Queens-based Cathedral Praise Ensemble of the Greater Allen Cathedral of New York performed at the event. Thompson described the evening’s honorees as inspirational role models and “a distinguished group of New Yorkers who, with their actions and their words, have made a brighter future possible for the next generation.”

Award-winning Songwriters, Producers, and Performers Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson received the Creative Artists’ Image Award.

“Their music has brought so much pleasure to so many people,” Thompson said. “Nick Ashford was born in South Carolina, and Valerie Simpson was born here in New York City, in the Bronx. They met here, in the choir at White Rock Baptist Church, began collaborating, and the rest, as they say, is history.

“Their music has always carried a positive message, and even helped break down some stereotypes along the way. For example, their public proclamation of longstanding love in the song ‘Solid’ flew in the face of negative images of the black family in America. Of course, in the end, it’s also just a really great song.”

The Comptroller presented his Media Image Award to Tom Joyner, host of The Tom Joyner Morning Show. Joyner directs a wide variety of media projects through his company Reach Media and has been the driving force behind numerous community service and network-building initiatives, such as the website BlackAmericaWeb.com. He established the Tom Joyner Foundation, which has raised more than $12 million to help students in need at historically black colleges and universities across the nation.

“Tom Joyner has come a long way from the days of his early broadcast career in Montgomery, Alabama,” Thompson said. “He has been a pioneering presence in radio, and has served as a role model to generations of young people.

Thompson presented the Distinguished Service Award to Dr. George Campbell, Jr., President of the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. Thompson said Campbell has “broken down barriers and opened the doors of opportunity for others throughout a brilliant career as an educator and leader in the field of science.”

Thompson presented an award to “dedicated community leader” Ophelia Young Perry, President of Church Women United in Brooklyn. She has served as the liaison
to the Brooklyn church community for two Brooklyn Borough Presidents.

“When I was the Deputy Borough President of Brooklyn, I had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Perry, and I saw first-hand the hard work she does on behalf of the people of Brooklyn,” Thompson recalled.

The Comptroller described his next honoree, Edwin C. Reed, as a “distinguished New Yorker who has made community leadership, public service, and spiritual life a central part of his life.” Reed is the Chief Financial Officer of Greater Allen Cathedral and oversees the church’s financial operations, including the budget for the church’s far-reaching network of community development initiatives and social services.

“From housing development and economic initiatives to childcare, senior citizen programs, and shelter services for survivors of domestic abuse, Greater Allen helps meet the needs of our communities,” Thompson said. “Mr. Reed is an important part of the team that makes it possible.”

The final awards went to husband and wife Christopher J. Williams and Janice Savin Williams, founders of the Williams Capital Group and Williams Capital Management, a full service investment banking firm that serves institutional investors and corporations worldwide in the fixed income and equity capital markets. Mr. Williams directs the company as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Ms. Williams serves as a senior salesperson of taxable fixed income products.

“Their strategies and vision have helped establish them as two of the most highly respected voices in the financial industry, and they have demonstrated tremendous commitment to New York City,” Thompson said.

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