Black Educators Committee has a ball

Verdi’s, a premier catering hall in Westbury, was the venue for the sixth annual Legends Ball hosted by the Freeport Black Educator’s Committee on March 16.

The theme for this year’s event was “greatness personified,” honoring the contributions of key members of the committee.

“We honored six people who have been inspirational and influential in the lives of not only students in the community but also the Twilight program through Nassau Boces,” Claretha Richardson, the president of the BEC, said.

The honorees were lauded for their remarkable impact on students and communities alike.

Among them was Eric Paulson, the former director of the Roosevelt-Freeport Economic Opportunity Coalition, described by Richardson as “Mr. EOC” for his unwavering commitment and influence to the organization.

Legislator Seth Koslow was at the event, and took photos with the honorees.

“The Black Educators Committee invests in our young people, directly addressing educational inequities by offering scholarships and a support network for high school seniors,” said Legislator Seth Koslow. 

““I was honored to present citations for the 2024 Legends Ball honorees.”

The evening saw a gathering of over 175 attendees, including family members, civic organizations, and local chapters of sororities such as Alpha Kappa Alpha and Phi Delta Kappa.

Richardson emphasized the importance of the event in showcasing the ongoing efforts of the committee, particularly as they prepare for a change in leadership at the end of the year.

Under Richardson’s nine-year presidency, the committee has witnessed significant growth and accomplishments.

Notably, they became a 501(c)(3) organization and expanded their scholarship program, awarding 25 $1,000 scholarships in 2023.

Richardson expressed pride in the committee’s achievements and emphasized their commitment to continued progress and community engagement.

Looking ahead, the committee eagerly anticipates the selection process for this year’s scholarships, with Richardson noting their dedication to supporting as many deserving students as possible.

Attendees were treated to heartfelt tributes and glowing introductions as each honoree was celebrated for their lasting contributions.

Richardson’s nine-year tenure as president may be drawing to a close, but her dedication to the Freeport Black Educator’s Committee remains as she transitions to the role of treasurer.

The Legends Ball served as a poignant reminder of the impact that individuals can have on their communities and the importance of recognizing and celebrating their contributions.

As the Freeport Black Educator’s Committee looks towards the future, their commitment to excellence and empowerment remains steadfast.