38th Annual Black Achievers Award Ceremony

By Jennifer L. Warren

POUGHKEEPSIE – “We have to give people their flowers while they are alive.”
Those words were affirmed by 1992 Black Achiever Honoree, Bakarai Adeyemi, as he delivered the Welcome remarks at the 38th Annual Black Achievers Award Ceremony Sunday. Those tangible-symbolic accolades were showered upon seven extraordinary community members who selflessly and arduously have worked toward developing a united and loving narrative for their City of Poughkeepsie community.

With deep roots tracing back to its 1988 inception, the Black Achievers seed was envisioned by Dr. Jesse Bottoms, Pastor of the Beulah Baptist Church, to spotlight “unsung heroes,” who positively impacted their communities. Its well-embraced concept was soon directed and passionately developed by the Social Action Ministry, led by Deaconess Doris Brown, and most recently, by newly appointed Servant Leader, Rasonia (Ray Ray) Squire.

“The Black Achievers is our grand event,” said Squire, who indicated the Ministry is also involved with providing food for the community twice a year as well as participating in Voter Registration Drives. “It’s always held on the last Sunday during Black History Month.”

This year’s venue featured some extra special 2025 Class members: three youth, 12 year old, Taier Dancy, and 14 year olds: William (A.J.) Long and Semaj Higgs. The trio (all under 13 years old at the time) were involved with organizing an extremely successful 2023 basketball tournament at Malcolm X Park for boys and girls, ages 10-13 years old.

Featuring around eight teams made up of over 70 participants, the well-attended, impressive tournament-whose efforts have produced a City-wide “Annual Day of Recognition” on July 23- transcended sport.

“This tournament really united the community in a way I’ve never seen before,” said Sunday’s Guest Speaker, City of Poughkeepsie Mayor, Yvonne Flowers, whose remarks centered upon the event’s theme: Building Bridges to Strengthen Community. “Unity comes from numbers, and one thing that will help us unite is love- for God, family and community.”

Another recipient who exemplified commitment to community and building those precious bridges was Ernest Henry, a City Councilman for the City of Poughkeepsie, Adjunct Professor at Marist College, radio talk show host of “Voices Behind the Wall,” featuring views and opinions of the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated and their families, as well as the initiator behind the reconstruction process of Malcolm X Park.

“I came here with a determination to build this community, and am so thankful to the people who helped me when I was in prison, the ones who saw us as worth saving, and it’s because of them that I stand here today,” said Henry. “I have a purpose now, and have truly learned that service to others-love is what truly matters.”

Service to others is also at the forefront of everything done by another 2025 Black Achiever, Robin McMichael-Green. Retired from Dutchess County Government after 32 years of service, McMichael-Green currently serves as Vice President of the Northern Dutchess NAACP, a role she holds close to her heart.

“I’m just so overwhelmed and honored; thank you so much for all who support and get me, helping me when I’m going the wrong way,” said McMichael-Green. “You all make it so easy for me to do what I do.” Reflecting on the present state of things in our country as well as her NAACP role and the group’s mission, she added, “Have faith over fear; things are going to get better.”

Two other individuals: Reverend Willie C. Knight and Moochie Merchant, rounded out the 2025 Black Achievers, but were unable to attend the event. Knight, an Associate Minister at Beulah Baptist Church, is involved with training and teaching for Outreach Ministries.

Merchant, an advocate for social justice, serving as a voice for the underserved, runs a studio in Poughkeepsie where she interviews local artists and entrepreneurs for her show, “The Moochie Merchant Show.”

Each recipient carries the tools, while embodying the spirit needed to construct those critical “bridges” necessary to fortifying their community, providing priceless inspiration and hope for a better tomorrow.

“There is such great energy in this room,” said Flowers. “My father was a community builder, who taught his children to make a difference in other people’s lives; it’s really about showing kindness to the person next to you, building bridges and love, and we can do that with cooperation, collaboration and open hearts.”