Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce honors local leaders at Black History Month celebration

It was an evening of great honor and pride when he Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce held its annual Black History Month Celebration on February 16. The special cocktail reception honored the work of members of the black community who have made significant contributions to Brooklyn.

The honorees at this year’s event, which took place at the Weeksville Heritage Center in Crown Heights and was sponsored by TD Bank, were four individuals who have excelled in the areas of government, business and non-profits.

Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte was the recipient of the Government Award for her work in the State Assembly and as the chair of the Oversight Minority and Women Business Enterprise Committee (MWBE) subcommittee.

Vice President of US Field Marketing Strategy for TD Bank Yvonne Riley-Tepie was honored with the Business Award. Riley-Tepie is also a former staff member at the Brooklyn Chamber, serving as the director of membership. In regard to Riley-Tepie, President of the Brooklyn Chamber Andrew Hoan said, “Yvonne exemplifies TD’s commitment to serve the communities in which its employees and customers live and work.”

Kenneth Mbonu, the executive director of the Flatbush-Nostrand Junction BID, received a special award for his work within the community. He was also recognized for his work with the MWBE Committee.

Charles Archer, the CEO and co-founder of the THRIVE Network, received an award for his work in the non-profit sector. THRIVE Network has helped over 1,000 underserved people throughout the five boroughs, and New Jersey, through the programs in child education, employment assistance and family support programs.

Hoan was emcee for the evening and presented the awards to each of the four honorees. He said, “The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, with our Minority and Women Business Enterprise Committee, presents our Annual Black History Month Celebration and tribute to black Americans who have demonstrated inspirational business, social and/or governmental acumen resulting in significant contributions to their community.”

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