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Press Releases
HONORABLE H. CARL MCCALL AND MAYA ANGELOU'S "STILL I RISE" SETS THEME OF New York, N.Y. (February 6, 2002)--The 16th Annual Black History Makers Awards Dinner, presented by New York City's Associated Black Charities, which is marking its 20th anniversary, was held here this evening at the Marriott Marquis Hotel. Ed Bradley, veteran newsman and co-host of CBS Television's 60 Minutes, marked his 11th year of hosting the gala, which recognizes the achievements of outstanding African-Americans. The elegant "Immortal" Award were presented to New York State Comptroller H. Carl McCall and civil and human rights activist Dick Gregory. A special video presentation of renowned poet Maya Angelou reciting her work "Still I Rise" set the theme for the evening with its spirit and tone of steely resolve and unalterable determination in this post September 11 era. Bill Cosby also provided a special message. Bradley presented Mr. Gregory with his award; the honorable Percy Sutton bestowed Mr. McCall with his honor. In 1994 H. Carl McCall was elected New York State Comptroller and thus became the first African-American ever to win a state-wide political office in New York. His re-election in 1998 marked the validation of his personal approach to life and the lessons learned from his mother as a youth growing up in poverty-stricken Roxbury, Massachusetts. Mr. McCall's mother stressed personal determination and her oft-repeated motto of "it can be done" became his mantra through an extraordinary life and career of service and success. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College as well as Andover Newton Theological Seminary and the University of Edinburgh; he was appointed as Ambassador to the United Nations and Commissioner of the New York State Division of Human Rights, President of the New York City Board of Education and Commissioner of the Port Authority; he was elected to the New York State Senate and to the Board of Directors of the New York Stock Exchange. Today he is the first African-American candidate for Governor of New York, proving once again that "it can be done." At immeasurable personal and financial sacrifice, Richard "Dick" Claxton Gregory, by personal example through books, film and television, entertainment and dialogue, has worked tirelessly to unshutter racial ignorance, real and feigned, from the closet of the American mindset. Burdened by poverty yet bolstered by the determined beliefs of a mother who singlehandedly raised six children, Gregory has dedicated his life to breaking down racial barriers. "You start out in darkness and keep moving," he says. "Joy cometh in the morning." A pioneer in the entertainment world--opening doors for the stars that would follow such as Richard Pryor, Flip Wilson and Bill Cosby--Gregory used satire and humor to target poverty, segregation and to shed light on the darkness of America's racism. An unflagging supporter of the civil rights movement, he has worked in all the corners of the globe to stir consciences and move hearts to recognize the dignity and divinity of every human being. He is the author of 15 books on subjects ranging from his autobiography, the plight of Black people in America, to health and nutrition. Rayton Gerald, the chairman of the board of directors of Associated Black Charities, said, "With the work in mind that Associated Black Charities and its member agencies do daily in helping less fortunate African and Hispanic Americans in New York City rise from very dire circumstances and the searing memory of the September 11 tragedy in New York City, we selected Maya Angelou's "Still I Rise" as the theme for the Sixteenth Annual Black History Makers Awards Dinner. Dick Gregory and H. Carl McCall embody the very essence of "Still I Rise." Associated Black Charities' mission is "to promote the delivery of quality health and human services" to New York's African American community. Founded 19 years ago, Associated Black Charities is a federation of 26 community-based health and human service agencies which serve more than 175,000 clients annually. The primary purpose and task of Associated Black Charities itself is fundraising.
Funds raised are distributed to member agencies. In addition to financial assistance,
Associated Black Charities also secures management and technical assistance for
its members. Finally, among its other activities, Associated Black Charities assists
member agencies to educate and to promote constructive dialogue among public and
corporate officials and the community at large through organizing and convening
seminars and conferences, publication of treaties, and other forums about health
and human service issues affecting the community.
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