Weeksville Heritage Center Celebrates Brooklyn’s Black History at “Save The Memories of Self” Awards Benefit

Gala Offered Attendees Sneak Preview of New Education and Cultural Arts Building

By Akira Barclay, Contributor

NEW YORK, NY– On June 11, 2013, more than 200 people attended the Weeksville Heritage Center’s “Save The Memories of Self” Awards Benefit – “One Night Only” at Weeksville’s new Education and Cultural Arts Building to raise funds for its mission to preserve the history of the 19th century African American community of Weeksville, Brooklyn.

The gala offered attendees a sneak peek inside Weeksville’s new Certified LEED Gold Sustainable Education and Cultural Arts Building.  When it opens to the public later this year, the new building will give visitors and the surrounding community opportunities for expanded research, education and programming.

“There is much to celebrate tonight,” said Pamela Green, Executive Director of the Weeksville Heritage Center.  “Since its founding 175 years ago, Weeksville has transformed from a vibrant and independent free African American community to a multidimensional museum which uses a contemporary lens to celebrate its past and envision the future.  With the development of the new Education and Cultural Arts Building, Weeksville will continue growing as a unique and important historical center and become one of the leading African American cultural institutions in the country.”



The event featured a cocktail reception, cuisine stations, music and fun activities including a photo booth, games and prizes followed by a brief program. WABC-TV Co-Anchor Lori Stokes served as the Master of Ceremonies.

The night’s honorees included Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, National Grid President for New York Ken Daly, and Vice President, Associate General Counsel for JetBlue Airways Brandon Nelson.  Honorary Chair Keija Minor, editor-in-chief of Brides Magazine, was also in attendance.

Honorary Chair of @Weeksville "Save the Memories of Self-One Night Only" Gala @keijaminorhttp://t.co/fQGdhRyt7i
— BlackGivesBackNY (@BlkGivesBackNY) June 12, 2013

The Weeksville Heritage Center (Weeksville) is a historic site of great national significance.  The center lives, breathes and preserves the entrepreneurial spirit of the village of Weeksville; an independent African American community that thrived during the 19th century in Brooklyn, New York.  Still in its original location, the organization services, directly and indirectly, some 20,000 visitors yearly.  Rooted in African-American history, Weeksville honors the past by offering innovative, socially conscious learning experiences through history, art, environment and technology.


Learn more about the Weeksville Visionaries, a group of women dedicated to preserving the center's historic Hunterfly Road Houses here.

Photo credit: Julie Skarratt Photography
Source: Press release