By Eulene Inniss
A Swahili proverb states that “education has no end” and this was best exemplified the 47th Annual Scholarship & Awards Luncheon of the Association of Black Educators of New York (ABENY), which was held at Antun’s, Queens, on June 14th 2025.
ABENY’s Luncheon Chairs, Past President Mellouise Murdaugh and Evelyn (Pat) Hairston , stressed the need for more community involvement and organizations such as the UFT( United Federation of Teachers, CSA (Council of Supervisors and Administrators), Eric Edwards- Cultural Museum of African Arts and Sororities responded to the clarion call to support the students.
Fourteen (14) High School graduates from High Schools across NYC were awarded scholarships ranging from $1.000.00 to $5.000.00 dollars each. Three Awards of Distinction were also presented to: Dr. Adofo Abdullah Muhammad , Educator of the Year-Principal of Brooklyn Academy; Jerema Brown, Teacher of the Year-Riverdale Middle School, Bklyn. and Dr. Temica S. Francis: Friend of Education – Monroe University Dean of the School of Education.
Dr. Francis spoke of her journey from Marcy House to Dean of Education at Monroe University, incorporating some the many pit-stops as Teacher, Principal, Associate College Professor and her role at the New York State Department of Education.
She encouraged the students to,” reject the negativity of those around them, including some educators, and remain focused on their goals because each one has unlimited potentials”. She thanked her family and community for believing in her and their never-ending support.
In this season of a National assault on Education and Educators and the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education , the New York City Council President, Adrian Adams has helped to allocate 27 million dollars to the development of the Black Studies Curriculum. The course of study is designed to give students an African Centered perspective that pre-dates Slavery.
This Education Equity Action Plan (EEAP) or Black Studies curriculum was launched on February 28th, 2025 during a Press Conference at York College, CUNY. ABENY is a co-sponsor. The President of ABENY, Adrian Straker, placed ABENY at the decision making table in developing this EEAP city-wide Black Studies Curriculum. A fitting role for ABENY since it has been leading the battle for inclusivity of Black representation in NYC schools from the 1960’s.
Past scholarship recipients returned to support the new honorees and the Luncheon’s Theme: “Recognizing the Progress made And Empowering the Next Generation”. State Senator Leroy Comrie was recognized for his continuous collaboration with ABENY. Education is Circular!