CBC President Joan Cromwell Announces Seven Chelsea Trailblazer Award Recipients

Chelsea Black Community President Joan Cromwell has announced the recipients of the prestigious Chelsea Trailblazer Awards for 2023.

The organization will present the awards at the Black History Month Community Celebration on Monday, Feb. 27 at the Williams Middle School.

The award recipients are Chelsea Roots Executive Director Roseann Bongiovanni, Healthy Chelsea Team member Yahya Noor, Chelsea High School head basketball coach and Let It Fly Classic Co-Director Cesar Castro, former School Committee member and city councilor Deborah Washington, Deputy City Manager Ned Keefe, and community leaders and advocates Grace McKinnon and Stacy Smith.

“We’re honored to recognize these outstanding individuals for their leadership in advancing the betterment of our city,” said Cromwell. “These awards are about the unsung heroes doing what they do every day and always being there with their assistance.”

Cromwell said the theme of this year’s Black History Month observance is Black Resistance.

“We are recognizing the ways in which Black people have resisted oppression, discrimination, and prejudice throughout history,” said Cromwell. “We will be reflecting on where we are today, and the work that was accomplished by many, not just Blacks, but our Jewish brothers and sisters, our Latino brothers and sisters – just people being altogether working on civil rights, and the civil rights movement. We always keep that mind while celebrating Black history in our community, knowing iur history and reflecting what the means to Chelsea.”

Cromwell and her committee have also announced a schedule of activities for the city’s observance of Black History Month. All events are free of charge.

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