STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Lots of of company gathered Friday night on the Crystal Room to honor two girls who’ve devoted their lives to creating Staten Island a greater place.
Staten Island Black Heritage hosted the Crimson, Black, and Inexperienced Ball, which pays homage to the Pan-African Flag and symbolizes Black delight and liberation.
Neighborhood leaders Marjorie Garvin and Ilean Dixon, who’ve considerably contributed to the Staten Island neighborhood, had been chosen for his or her integrity, excellence and dedication to serving to others.
Dixon, an entrepreneur, former proprietor and operator of the Assembly Place, a well known institution in New Brighton for a few years, and a Staten Island Advance Lady of Achievement in 2017, is named a serving to hand to all these in want.
Dixon was instrumental in getting folks to exit and vote. “We did a variety of campaigning for a number of the politicians. We knocked on doorways, handed out flyers and helped folks to get registered to vote. We picked folks up and carried them to the polls, and introduced them again. And it’s nonetheless vital,” she defined.
Garvin, honored as a NY1 “New Yorker of the Week,” and unofficial “Mayor of Park Hill,” is a civil rights advocate, neighborhood chief and 2013 Staten Island Advance Lady of Achievement.
Garvin, 84, mentioned, “I’m one of many oldest ones within the sport. For them to consider me is a superb honor. I made certain folks registered to vote, and I labored with youngsters. I inform them to remain at school, get their training, and attempt to go to varsity.”
The night started with Senior Pastor Rev. Alfredo E. Archibald from Fellowship Baptist Church main everybody in prayer.
Amongst these in attendance had been Councilmember Kamillah Hanks, former Councilmember Debi Rose, Richmond County Public Administrator Edwina Frances Martin, Decide Ronald A. Gregg, Rev. Dr. Demetrius S. Carolina, Sr., Pastor of First Central Baptist Church and Minnie Graham, a 2024 Staten Island Advance Lady of Achievement.
Hanks honored the awardees, saying, “Miss Ilean Dixon and Miss Margie Garvin have been the muse of the whole lot that this neighborhood has constructed. We stand on their shoulders. They’ve been the muse of the whole lot that has come forth.”
Rose mentioned she calls Garvin and Dixon her “surrogate mothers,” and that they honestly deserve this honor.
“They’ve been within the wrestle locally for so long as I can keep in mind. Margie Garvin single-handedly bought everyone in Park Hill to get out, register and vote and taught them the significance of their vote.
“Mrs. Dixon was an entrepreneur who ran a well-respected institution in New Brighton for over 50 years. Everyone seems to be right here tonight to pay tribute to them as a result of they’ve given a lot. Marjorie Garvin helped elevate many younger folks locally and ensured they bought training.
“Mrs. Dixon’s husband was a well-known musician with Depend Basie’s orchestra. So, she introduced jazz and tradition to the neighborhood.
“Each of them have been members of organizations locally, and they’re the glue that has stored the neighborhood collectively for thus a few years. They’re our sensible elders. And when there’s a state of affairs locally, we go to them for recommendation and path,” Rose mentioned affectionately.
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