State Sen. Jesse Hamilton (D–Crown Heights) honored several outstanding Caribbean-Americans with his Rising Star awards at his “A Taste of the Caribbean” event on July 12. The state pol presented 11 individuals of various Caribbean backgrounds with the award, which acknowledges people from the region who have done outstanding work in their communities.
The rising stars were comedienne Kerry Coddett, union organizer, Winall Longdon, vice president of external affairs at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, Renee Hastick-Motes, owner of Brooklyn Blend, Keishon Warren, founder of women and girls empowerment T.A.L.L.O.M., Amarimba L. Charles, 1010 Wins radio anchor, Stefanie Officer, founder of Oba Events, Oba Stephens, founder of Auntie Wendy’s Food Catering, Wendy M. Regisford, marketer and outreach coordinator at Bridging Access to Care, Spencer Casseus, and founder of Caribbean American Pride, Ethel Felix.
And the recipient of the standout award — the Shining Star — was social worker for District Council 37, Tessa Hackett-Vieira.
Also in attendance were members of the Artistic Movement Collective, performers from Girl Be Heard and Q City Sounds. Soca artist Denise Belfon, who performed for guest, was also presented with a proclamation by Sen. Hamilton.
