Release #071-00

 

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Sunny Mindel/Suzanne Clinton(212) 788-2958

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani tonight joined leaders of New York City's African American business community for the annual African American Business Awards at Gracie Mansion. The Mayor honored five exceptional African American business executives and presented a proclamation declaring February African American History Month to June Van Brackle for her work as Director of the New York City Empowerment Zone.

"Tonight, in celebration of African American History Month, we salute four exceptional businesspeople whose innovation, talent, integrity and dedication have distinguished them as leaders in their fields and communities," said Mayor Giuliani. "In celebrating African American History Month, it is vital to recognize those men and women in the African American community whose records of achievement provide inspiration to businesspeople in every field, of every background, religion, race, age and skin color. Tonight's honorees should inspire all New Yorkers - and especially our City's young people - to a life hard work and dedication to the people of their community."

The Mayor presented the following awards:

• Emerging Business Award, presented to Antoinette Williams, President of Rainbow Babies, in recognition of an African American-owned business exhibiting exceptional business growth.
  
  
• Special Achievement Award, presented to Arthur Square, President and founder of M&S Construction and General Contracting Corp., for demonstrating exceptional innovation in business through his work as an African American entrepreneur.
  
  
• Outstanding Achievement Award, presented to Beryl J. Levi, President and CEO of Tower Isle's Frozen Foods, Ltd., in recognition of outstanding contributions to the social and economic well being of individuals in New York City.
  
  
• Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to Ophelia DeVore, founder and chairman of Ophelia DeVore and Assoc., Inc., in recognition of 54 years of dedicated service to the professional and social development of African Americans.

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