Elizabeth Rankin-Fulcher

Excitement and great tributes were in abundance at the First Annual Joan Maynard Memorial Luncheon on May 19, 2007 at the Senior Citizens Center in the Kingsborough Houses in Brooklyn, New York. More than 100 enthusiastic friends and family members came to honor and reminisce about this remarkable woman who so loved her community, especially Weeksville.
In appreciation of their community involvement and in the spirit and tradition of Joan Maynard, four fantabulous ladies were presented the Weeksville Lady Award – Educator Dr. Marguerite Thompson; Community Activist Ms. Elsie Richardson; founder and director of the Great Day Chorale Ms. Louvinia Pointer and artist Ms. Onnie Millar. With the exception of Onnie Millar, whose award was accepted by artist Jackie Woods, all of the honorees were present, each of whom in their brief acceptance speech highlighted their link with Weeksville while giving honor to Joan.
Before and during lunchthe guests were treated to the sweet and glorious voices of The Youth Choir from IS 218. Under the direction of Racquel Effinger, the choir sang “America the Beautiful” like you’ve never heard it before and received a standing ovation. Penny Fujiko Willgerodt, President of the Board of Weeksville Heritage Center introduced Claudine Brown, who served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Deputy Borough President Yvonne Graham brought greetings from the Office of Borough President Marty Markowitz, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery presented each honoree with a proclamation and Executive Director of Weeksville Pamela Greene received a proclamation from Councilman Al Vann. The dynamic Rev. Emma Jordan Simpson, Associate Pastor of Concord Baptist Church, was the keynote speaker at the beautiful event which was coordinated by Ramona Candy of the Weeksville Heritage Center.