BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — Rappers Naughty By Nature, boxer Zab Judah and New York Giants legend Carl Banks will be among those honored at a black history month celebration in Bed-Stuy on Thursday.
Leaders of Tomorrow, a local group that helps children through mentoring, counseling and other activities, will host "One Brooklyn Honors," a black history month celebration that looks at contributions from community members and the struggles celebrities faced to succeed.
The group was started by Minister Lamor M. Whitehead whose father, activist Arthur Miller, was killed in an altercation with police in 1978. Growing up without his father made him want to help other young people, Whitehead said.
"I'm passionate about the youth," Whitehead said. "I grew up with a single parent and I know the hurt of young kids."
In addition to Naughty By Nature, Judah and Banks, the ceremony will honor Video Music Box creator Ralph McDaniels, photographer Ronnie Wright, executives from Sony and Bad Boy Entertainment, entrepreneurs and activists.
Speakers include Rev. Al Sharpton, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Councilman Robert Cornegy and Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo, among others.
By booking guests with backgrounds similar to the kids he mentors, Whitehead said he hopes to help them realize they can succeed in the same way.
Boxer Zab Judah, for example, was raised in Brownsville and became a five-time world champion.
"These people can inspire young people," Whitehead said. "That process is so valuable. What these young kids need to understand is you have to go through that process in order to be a champ."
"One Brooklyn Honors" Black History Month is Thursday at 6 p.m. inside Boys and Girls High School, 1700 Fulton St. Tickets are free with a donation of any size.
