The Mount Vernon NAACP Branch #2161 will host its Community Heroes Award Luncheon on Saturday, July 25, a special event dedicated to honoring extraordinary individuals whose leadership, service, and commitment have made significant contributions to the Mount Vernon community.
“There is no greater gift than a life lived in service to others. Service is more than an act of kindness—it is a commitment to making a difference, lifting others when they are down, and leaving our community stronger than we found it. Our Community Heroes Luncheon is a celebration of those remarkable individuals who have answered the call to serve. They have given of their time, talents, compassion, and leadership without seeking recognition or reward. They stood up, stepped forward, and made sacrifices so that others could have hope, opportunity, and a better future,” Kathie Brewington, President of the Mount Vernon NAACP Branch, shared.
In recognition of the occasion, Congressman George Latimer acknowledged the Community Heroes Award Luncheon on the floor of the United States House of Representatives, bringing national attention to the honorees and the important work of the Mount Vernon NAACP.
“As Mayor, I am proud to support the mission of the Mount Vernon NAACP and grateful for the organization’s continued dedication to advancing equality, empowering our residents, and building a stronger, more inclusive community. Together, we will continue working toward a future where justice, opportunity, and hope are accessible to all,” said Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard. “Congratulations to this year’s honorees and thank you to the Mount Vernon NAACP for your continued leadership, partnership, and service to our community.”
This year’s Community Heroes honorees include:
Mr. Abishai Ben-Rubin, a master African percussionist, cultural educator, healer, activist, and respected community leader.
Mr. Al-Farid Salahuddin, a retired 41-year veteran of the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
Coach Craig Ramsey, a lifelong mentor, coach, and community advocate.
Ms. Donna Houston, a driving force in community service.
Dr. Natasha Hunter-McGregor, a distinguished educational leader with 37 years of dedicated service to scholars and families throughout New York City and Westchester County.
Mount Vernon Fire Commissioner Kevin Holt recognized for his lifelong commitment to protecting, serving, and advancing the well-being of the City of Mount Vernon and its residents.
Ms. Judith Watson, CEO of the Westchester Community Health Center, formerly known as the Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center;
The Rev. Dr. Martello Payne Jr., a distinguished community leader, dedicated pastor, and decorated U.S. Army veteran with a profound legacy of service spanning over six decades.
Mr. Ralph Burts, a distinguished educator with more than 43 years of dedicated service in the Mount Vernon City School District.
Jermire Pyatt will also receive special recognition for his commitment to serving and uplifting the next generation through volunteerism, civic engagement, and youth leadership.
“I extend congratulations to the 2026 honorees, and thank them for their commitment, involvement, and dedication to the Mount Vernon community. Their immeasurable contributions and involvement exemplify the importance of good citizenry and highlight Westchester County as a great place in which to live and work,” County Executive Kenneth Jenkins shared.
Mariam Saidykhan will perform Mariah Carey’s inspiring 1993 hit single, “Hero,” during the Community Heroes Luncheon. Many in Mount Vernon may remember her outstanding performance in the Mount Vernon City School District Performing and Visual Arts Magnet School’s 2018 production of The Lion King Jr. at Mount Vernon High School. Just a few months later, she returned to the stage in the student production of The Color Purple, delivering another memorable performance as Young Celie.
“On Saturday, July 25th, we will celebrate those who have answered the call to serve—not for recognition, but because they understand that strong communities are built by people willing to stand up, speak out, and work together for the greater good. Their contributions remind us that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things when they are guided by purpose, compassion, and a commitment to justice,” MV NAACP Vice President AJ Woodson added.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), was established in 1909 and is America’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. It was formed in New York City by Black and White activists, partially in response to the ongoing violence against Black Americans around the country. In the NAACP’s early decades, its anti lynching campaign was central to its agenda. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the association led the black civil rights struggle in fighting injustices such as the denial of voting rights, racial violence, discrimination in employment, and segregated public facilities. During the civil rights era in the 1950s and 1960s, the group won major legal victories, and today the NAACP has more than 2,200 branches and some half a million members worldwide. Dedicated to the goal of an integrated society, the national leadership has always been interracial, although the membership has remained predominantly African American.
The Mount Vernon NAACP (Branch #2161) holds its general monthly meetings on the third Thursday of every month at 7:00 PM. The meetings take place at Macedonia Baptist Church, located at 141 South 9th Avenue in Mount Vernon. For more information, updates, or to confirm meeting details before attending, you can check the Mount Vernon, NY NAACP Website or view the NAACP – Mount Vernon, NY Branch Facebook Page.
