Richard S. David, who was born in the Caribbean country of Guyana, will be one of three “Chefs of the Year” honored at the 30th Annual Evening of Fine Food on Feb. 24, for his longstanding support of individuals with developmental disabilities through Queens Centers for Progress (QCP).
The annual benefit brings together leaders from across Queens to raise funds for programs that help more than 1,200 children and adults with developmental disabilities live more independent lives. David, in an interview with Caribbean Life, shared his journey to becoming a community leader and disability advocate.
David grew up on his grandmother’s farm in Guyana, where he and his brothers raised sheep, goats, chickens, and cows. “Our food came from what we grew. That included spinach, pumpkins, eggplants, and other produce. When I look at the food scene in New York City today, I had no idea we were so ahead of our time by consuming mostly farm-raised vegetables and wild fish,” he said.
Growing up, he wanted to be a veterinarian because he was around animals all the time, but there weren’t many vets, and it wasn’t a well-known profession. Once he and his family immigrated to New York and settled in Jamaica, Queens, his goals completely changed.
“My family and I experienced violence, poverty, and deep-rooted inequality, as well as the tremendous opportunities that existed in New York City in the ‘90s. I became involved in numerous community and political causes, but it was not as apparent that I wanted to be in public service until later, when I graduated from Hunter College,” he explained. It was then that he began working at the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC).
David currently serves as the director of Queens Regional & Community Affairs at Con Edison, and in this role, he is responsible for engaging and supporting elected officials, businesses, and communities. Some things his job may include are: connecting a new customer to the grid, ensuring neighbors are involved when implementing major new projects and programs, or discussing the ever-growing New York City property taxes that are driving up customer bills.
“It’s a meaningful place in this moment as customers adopt renewable sources of energy in the face of a changing climate. My colleagues are the reason few New Yorkers ever experience an outage. It’s one less thing people have to worry about, so I take pride in that and in my team,” he added. In this position, he also supports dynamic nonprofits that are the backbone of New York City by reviewing their program proposals and funding them.
In addition to his work at Con Edison, David noticed that programs and services for Indo-Caribbean residents were not easily available. Knowing the term ‘Indo-Caribbean’ was unfamiliar, It was shocking for him to find this out, considering that Guyanese are the second largest immigrant group in Queens and the fifth largest in New York City. As a result, after college, he and a few friends started the Indo-Caribbean Alliance (ICA).
“So, I began organizing and advocating. We applied for public and private funds and created youth, education, and civic programs. Since the pandemic, the organization has focused more on access to social services and public benefit programs. I love the work we are still doing with ICA to support the City and our residents,” he stated.
These prior life experiences led David to support the nonprofit organization Queens Centers for Progress (QCP) and its advocacy work for people with developmental disabilities, which is one of the causes he cares about. He first came in contact with QCP when he worked at NYCEDC a long time ago.
“Queens Centers for Progress and their staff do incredible work. Knowing that this organization remains deeply focused on and rooted in advocating for and supporting individuals with developmental disabilities is a blessing. I can hardly think of a better cause or organization to support,” he stated.
According to David, he didn’t always know that he wanted to pursue a career as a community leader and
disability advocate, but he met people along the way who influenced the person he is today and the causes he cares about.
Cooking is one of David’s passions, and it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that he started learning to make Guyanese dishes, with help from his mom and friends and by watching numerous YouTube videos.
“I began cooking chicken curry, and then duck, and other curries. I became comfortable enough to start sharing on social media, and eventually, I became a judge at the annual Travelspan International cooking competition. I was judging chefs and their curries in St. Martin, Jamaica, and Mexico,” he continued.
For him, it is a real honor to be one of the chefs recognized at the event on Feb. 24, and he’s looking forward to it because, in addition to bragging rights, he gets to raise funds and contribute to the children and families who are cared for at QCP.
Discussing what legacy he wants to have in life, David said, “I take pride in being Indo-Caribbean, and food, especially Guyanese food in Queens, is top-notch – even better than in Guyana and the Caribbean. I know those are fighting words. But sharing and celebrating these small pleasures feel important now while our immigrant communities are under tremendous pressure.”
The event takes place at Terrace on the Park at 52-11 111th Street in Corona. Tickets are $150 per person. The event begins with a sponsor VIP reception at 5:30 PM, followed by general admission from 6:30 to 9 p.m. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/dnyYLg?vid=1n6h99.
