Black History celebration in Weeksville honors four exceptional Brooklynites

Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce hosts impactful event

February 23, 2024 Special from the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce

From left to right: Jerry Kwabena Kansis, Ghanian/African Diaspora Leader; Atiba T. Edwards, President & CEO Brooklyn Children’s Museum; Tiffany Joy Murchison, founder of TJM & Co. Media Boutique; Lishawn Alexander, founder of Lishawn’s Cupcakes and Lishawn’s Consulting; and Randy Peers, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.
Photos: Colin Williams

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CROWN HEIGHTS — This week, the Brooklyn Chamber hosted an inspiring evening in recognition of its annual Black History Celebration at the Weeksville Heritage Center in Crown Heights. The signature event recognized the outstanding achievements of four noteworthy Brooklyn residents at the historic site honoring the Black community.

Each honoree and sponsor of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Black History Celebration received a ceremonial Ghanaian Kente cloth in a special presentation by Jerry Kwabena Kansis. Each color in the cloth holds unique symbolism. Guests also enjoyed a performance by young dancers and drummers from Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy.

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce honored the following esteemed Brooklynites:

Atiba T. Edwards, President & CEO of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum with the Community Leader Award
Lishawn Alexander, Founder of Lishawn’s Consulting and Lishawn’s Cupcakes with the Small Business Leader Award
Tiffany Joy Murchison, Founder of TJM & Co. Media Boutique with the Samuel L. Dunston Award for Business Excellence
State Senator Zellnor Myrie with the Public Service Leader Award

Musical performance by the Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy.

“What a memorable evening for Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce,” said Randy Peers, CEO and President of BCC. “Hosting our Black History Celebration at the Weeksville Heritage Center was particularly special because this community was home to one of the largest free Black communities in pre-Civil War America.”

“All of our 2024 Black History Celebration honorees are incredible examples of the Brooklyn community and role models of the best of New York City,” Peers added.

“I’m deeply humbled and honored to receive the Community Leader Award,” said Atiba T. Edwards, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. “This recognition wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support and collaboration of these amazing communities that make up Brooklyn.”

“I’m honored to be recognized by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, which does so much to support our borough’s economy and our small businesses in particular,” said State Senator Zellnor Myrie. “Brooklyn is the capital of the world, and it’s fitting that we celebrate our business owners of color during this Black History Month celebration.”

“It is truly an honor to receive the Samuel L. Dunston Award,” said Tiffany Joy Murchison, Founder of TJM & Co. Media Boutique. “ Like Mr. Dunston, I started my business in my home. And like Mr. Dunston, as my business grows, I will, with a servant’s heart, support a wide range of clientele while consistently investing in the community. I do not take this award lightly and will represent it well.”

“We are a proud member of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and happy to receive recognition for our 15+ years of service working with government, nonprofit, and private sector C-suite leaders,” said Lishawn Alexander, founder of Lishawn’s Cupcakes and Lishawn’s Consulting.

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Black History Celebration was made possible by a number of sponsors, including: The Brooklyn Hospital, Citizens, Con Edison, It’s Electric, JPMorgan Chase, National Grid and Northfield Bank.

Randy Peers (middle), President and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, received the Kente cloth from Jerry Kwabena Kansis (left).

About the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is among the largest and most influential business advocacy organizations in New York, having spent the last hundred years developing and promoting policies that drive economic development and advance its members’ interests. The Chamber is the voice of Brooklyn’s business community, offering the resources, programs, tools and direct support businesses need to continue creating jobs and opportunities in their communities.