WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — June 19, 2026 — In a historic announcement timed to coincide with Juneteenth, Black Westchester Magazine is proud to officially open nominations for its inaugural Black 40 Under 40 Awards, a new recognition program designed to celebrate the extraordinary achievements, leadership, and impact of Black professionals, entrepreneurs, advocates, educators, artists, public servants, and changemakers across Westchester County.
Nominations officially open today, June 19, 2026, and will remain open through October 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Community members are encouraged to nominate deserving individuals by completing the official nomination form at: www.tinyurl.com/BlackWestchester40under40
The Black 40 Under 40 Awards were created to shine a spotlight on a generation of Black leaders who are making significant contributions to their professions and communities while helping shape the future of Westchester County.
According to recent U.S. Census Bureau data, Westchester County is home to more than one million residents, with Black residents representing approximately 17 percent of the county’s population. Census age data indicate that a substantial share of the county’s Black population is under the age of 40, representing tens of thousands of emerging and established professionals, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and community advocates who are helping drive innovation and progress throughout the county. (Census.gov)
Despite these contributions, many young Black professionals have historically received limited public recognition for their accomplishments compared to their impact on the economic, civic, nonprofit, educational, and cultural life of the region. The Black 40 Under 40 Awards seek to help close that visibility gap by highlighting excellence and creating a platform that celebrates achievement, inspires future leaders, and documents the legacy of a new generation of Black excellence in Westchester County.
“Juneteenth is a day that commemorates freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of opportunity,” said Paul Presendieu of New Rochelle, the Nominations Committee Chair. “Launching the Black 40 Under 40 Awards on this historic day reflects our commitment to ensuring that the achievements of young Black leaders are seen, celebrated, and preserved for future generations.”
Honorees will be selected through a competitive review process that evaluates professional achievement, community impact, leadership, innovation, and service. Individuals from all industries and sectors are encouraged to be nominated.
In addition to being recognized at the inaugural awards ceremony, all selected honorees will be featured in Black Westchester Magazine’s February 2027 Black History Month Issue, providing a lasting platform to share their stories, accomplishments, and contributions with readers throughout Westchester County and beyond.
Black Westchester Magazine encourages residents, community organizations, businesses, educational institutions, professional associations, and faith-based organizations to submit nominations and help ensure that the county’s most deserving young Black leaders receive the recognition they have earned.
Key Dates
Nominations Open: June 19, 2026 (Juneteenth)
Nomination Deadline: October 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET
Nomination Form: www.tinyurl.com/BlackWestchester40under40
Honoree Feature Publication: Black Westchester Magazine’s February 2027 Black History Month Issue
For many years, Black Westchester has documented the stories, challenges, victories, and achievements of Westchester County’s Black community. The inaugural Black 40 Under 40 Awards represent the next chapter in that mission, celebrating the leaders under 40 who are building the future today.
