New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. with honorees and co-sponsors at his Caribbean Heritage and Culture celebration at SEIU 32BJ on Thursday, June 19th, 2008. Photo credit: Archer Hutchinson View Slideshow

New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. honored five New Yorkers at his Caribbean Heritage and Culture celebration on Thursday, June 19th. The event was co-sponsored by the Caribbean American Center of New York, Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Caribbean Women’s Health Association, and West Indian Day Carnival Association.

“Men and women of Caribbean heritage are reaching new heights of achievement across a wide range of professions and industries and making vital contributions to the life of our city,” Comptroller Thompson said at the event at SEIU 32BJ. “Caribbean Americans are creating jobs and stimulating the local economy with businesses across the city.”

“Tonight we honor a cross-section of achievers. Our honorees include educators, community advocates, business and financial sector leaders, as well as artists and writers,” Thompson added.

Thompson presented the first award to Rodney Leon, AIA, NOMA, President and co-founder of Aarris Architects LLP. Leon has designed a diverse collection of buildings, from churches to resorts, both in the US and abroad.

“Rodney Leon’s work reflects the needed balance between utility and a sense of purpose, mission and historical perspective,” Thompson said. “Nowhere is this more evident than at the African Burial Ground Memorial, just steps away from my office on Centre Street.”

Denise Scott, Managing Director of Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) New York City was the next honoree. LISC helps resident-led, community-based organizations transform distressed communities and neighborhoods into healthy ones.

“The work of Denise and LISC results in better environments to live, do business, work and raise families,” Thompson said.  “For all she has done to better the City of New York, it is my pleasure to recognize her achievements.”

Performer Krisha Marcano received the third award. The Comptroller praised Marcano, who originated the role of “Squeak” in the acclaimed Broadway musical The Color Purple, for being a “leader and advocate for dancers and artists throughout her profession and understanding the importance of giving back to the industry that sustains you.”

Dr. Oswald Thomas received the next award.  Dr. Thomas has worked with youth and families for more than 27 years, advocating on behalf of those struggling economically. He founded the Thomas Center for Human Development on 1996 to provide computers, counseling and parenting skills training to low income families.

“Dr. Thomas has shown over the years his passion is to better the lives of our young and less fortunate,” Thompson said. “It is because of his generosity and selflessness that I present him with this award.”

The final honoree was Vinette Pryce, who began her career as a broadcast journalist with the American Forces Radio & Television Network while she served in the Army Reserves. She has written for the Daily Challenge and has a weekly column in Caribbean Life. In 1991, she won the Journalist of the Year Award from the National Association of Black Journalists.

“For her extraordinary versatility as a journalist, her unique voice and her commitment to truth, I am honored to present this award to Vinette Pryce,” Thompson said.

The hundreds in attendance were treated to a performance by the Sesame Flyers International Steel Orchestra.  Under the direction of Winston Munroe, the Orchestra provides young people with an enriching, supportive environment to nurture their talent and preserve the rich musical traditions of the Caribbean.

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