104th Lincoln Douglass Awards Luncheon

By Jennifer L. Warren

POUGHKEEPSIE – “Be sure you put your feet in the right place, and then stand firm.”

These wise words, uttered by President Abraham Lincoln a couple centuries ago, continue to guide and comfort Lynnece Edmond in every aspect of what she delivers to the City of Poughkeepsie community, a place she holds close to her heart.

“Being able to give back by teaching and still be a part of the community in which I grew up and received an education is a true honor,” said life-long Poughkeepsie native, Edmond, a math teacher at Poughkeepsie Middle School, award-winning Varsity Cheerleading Coach at Poughkeepsie High School as well as GED Instructor for Dutchess Community College. “My feet are planted within the community, as I’m a product of the community, so I really connect to standing firm and giving back in any capacity I can.”

Edmond, along with seven other community trailblazers, was honored Saturday afternoon at the Double Tree by Hilton, for their unselfish, altruistic, inspiring and transformative actions. Their priceless contributions have left notable, indelible marks on the countless lives they have touched and were recognized in a deeply grateful manner at the 104th Lincoln-Douglass Awards Luncheon, hosted by the community-focused Poughkeepsie Neighborhood Club Inc., whose roots trace back to 1913 and possess a revered affiliation to and similar vision to the National Association of Colored Women’s Club, Inc.

In the same spirit of the two men who bear the namesake of the over century long event, each of the honorees in some way emulated their character and overall mission.  Douglass, a former slave and brazen, eloquent speaker and Lincoln who led the charge to abolish slavery, were close friends, both seeking justice, fairness and betterment for their communities.

Another honoree, Lenny Williams, also someone who has had his feet firmly planted in the City of Poughkeepsie his entire life, represents the very principles Douglass and Lincoln stood and fought for, and similar to Edmond, he is led by their inspiring examples when engaging with and always lifting up his community.

“Both Lincoln and Douglass paved the road for what I’m now able to do,” reflected Williams, another proud product of Poughkeepsie, who formed the SWARM Motorcycle Club as well as is President of the local chapter of the national Unknown Bikers, focused on giving back to the community, something Williams annually does while partnering with Sunset Inn and Exempt Firemen’s Association, raising money to purchase and then personally distribute toys for Christmas for local children. “The very best part is seeing the smiles on the children’s faces when I give them the toys.”

Also consistently providing critical necessities-school supplies, clothing and holiday assistance- to her community, empowering its members in the process through the Saving Our Tomorrow organization, is honoree, Jasmaine Clay. Faced with her own trying life challenges- including homelessness and domestic violence, Clay, who has had a decorated military career, refused to cower, persevering  and more determined than ever to help others.

Alluding to the Maya Angelou quote, “I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it,” Clay was humbly and deeply touched by her selection as an honoree Saturday.

“My story gives meaning to my work in the community,” said Clay. “I don’t serve to be seen; I serve to be a part of the solution, and am grateful for this honor of being welcomed into the community.

Other distinguished community citizens recognized were; Chanel Clark, a fashion trailblazer; Jennifer Geer-Ennist, a devoted City of Poughkeepsie School District elementary school teacher; Nyhisha Gibbs, Director of Community Engagement-Dutchess Outreach; Taneisha Means, a Vassar College professor of Political Science and Africana Studies Multidisciplinary Program and passionate advocate for judicial diversity and Lisa Thompson, a 32 year Poughkeepsie City School District employee who served in a wide spectrum of roles as both a teacher and administrator, while ensuring the children are “Alright,” leading by example, led by the mantra, “When students do well, we all do well.”

And when a community’s citizens give selflessly of themselves, just as each of these recipients continues to do- hope is planted and all around them prosper, much the same way as it did with the imprints left by Lincoln and Douglass.