HCFF
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SOUTHWEST
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HARLEM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
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PFIZER
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HCFF • SOUTHWEST • HARLEM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION • PFIZER •
HCFF LEGACY
TRIBUTE RECEPTION
PRESENTED BY
HARLEM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Honoring Our Partners, Celebrating Our Impact
January 30, 2026 | The Victoria Theater | Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel
HCFF hosted its second annual 2026 Legacy Tribute Event on January 30, 2026, with a formal reception held at the Victoria | Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel. The evening, titled Honoring Our Partners, Celebrating Our Impact, was held to thank the sponsors, partners, and collaborators whose support has enabled HCFF to achieve meaningful cultural, social, and economic impact in Harlem since its inception.
The program commenced with a tribute video honoring original Founder Tony Lawrence, whose vision gave rise to the historic Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969. Remarks delivered by HCFF Chair Nikoa Evans-Hendricks, Board Members Dr. Yolanda Lewis-Smalls, Director of Health Equity & Impact and Natosha Fraser, Director of Donor Engagement & Advocacy, provided an overview of HCFF’s programming impact since 2022. The reception also featured remarks from speakers representing HCFF's partners and the communities the Foundation has served. Each guest received a gift bag with items donated by Harlem businesses Uncle Waithley’s Beverage Company, Mama’s One Sauce and Charles Pan Fried Chicken.
Guest Speakers:
Curtis Archer | President, Harlem Community Development Corporation
DaQuane Cherry | Visual Artist | 2023 HCFF Design Challenge Winner
Georgette Ledgister | Vice President, Engagement & People Experience, DoubleVerify
Audrey Washington | Director, Office of Public Private Partnerships, NYCHA
Yvette Powell | Tenant Association President, NYCHA
Tiffany Mananga and Yajaira Guzman | Participants, Computer Access & Digital Literacy Program
Henry Moquete | Talent Acquisition and Organizational Strategy, Southwest
Emma Andrews | Vice President, US Patient Advocacy and Business Unit Policy & Public Affairs, Pfizer
cooley high
A classic coming-of-age
comedy drama
PRESENTED BY SOUTHWEST, AMC THEATRE & RENAISSANCE NY HARLEM HOTEL
HCFF Classic Film Series hosted a 50th Anniversary film screening of Cooley High on Saturday, May 17th. Hosted by Actress, Comedian and Talk Show Host Sherri Shepherd and sponsored by Southwest Airlines and Renaissance NY Harlem Hotel, the event was attended by over 200 people at AMC Magic Johnson Theatres including Actor and star of the film Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs much to the delight of guests who showed appreciation for all that he has achieved throughout his tv, film and stage career. Other notable guests included Actor (and Claudine co-star) Yvette Curtis, TV, Radio Host & Author Bevy Smith, Comedian & Actress Luenell Campbell, Actor Khalil Kain, Harlem icon and fashion designer Dapper Dan with his grandson Tau, Amsterdam News journalist Jason Ponterotto, Supermodel Coco Mitchell, HCDC President Curtis Archer and his wife Voice Actor Karen Murray, Music Director Rakiem Walker, The Rakiem Walker Project, Assemblymember Al Taylor and his wife, and journalist Lil Nickelson.
Following the film, Sherri Shepherd moderated a Talk Back with Lawrence who shared his experiences making the film and the impact it continues to make for our community.
Proceeds from ticket sales for the benefit screening support the Harlem Cultural Festival Foundation community initiatives.
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