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New Rochelle honors Denise Clark and Sylvia Hamer at Black History Month celebration
Summary
Mayor Yadira Ramos Irvin and city leaders honored two long-time New Rochelle community leaders, Denise Clark and Sylvia B. Hamer, at a Feb. 5, 2026 Black History Month event that also included proclamations, a historical presentation and a youth steppers performance.
Mayor Yadira Ramos Irvin presented proclamations and praised community honorees at a Black History Month celebration in New Rochelle on Feb. 5, 2026. The city recognized Denise Clark, a longtime local business owner, and Sylvia B. Hamer, executive director of Hope Community Services, for their civic leadership.
The event, introduced by emcee Mark McLean, vice chair of the African American Advisory Committee, included remarks by City Manager Wilfredo Melendez and Councilman David Peters and proclamations read on behalf of state and county officials. Melendez said the honorees exemplify "leadership, faith, entrepreneurship, public service and creative expression" and noted the proclamations will be displayed on the Westchester County Center marquee on Feb. 8.
Why it matters: The ceremony combined ceremonial recognition with a public historical presentation about structural racism and local community organizing, bringing civic leaders, nonprofit staff, small-business owners and youth groups together for an event officials framed as both celebration and call to action. Mayor Ramos Irvin urged the crowd to "honor black history not only with applause tonight, but with action tomorrow." (as stated at the event).
Details: Denise Clark, owner of Habeeb's Atmosphere Hair Salon, thanked committee members, clients and family for supporting her business. "I thank you all for coming out this evening," Clark said. Sylvia B. Hamer thanked the HOPE board, staff and volunteers and framed the award as belonging to the entire HOPE community, citing the principle: "To whom much is given, much is required." City Manager Melendez acknowledged staff and partners who helped produce the program and read proclamations from Senator Natalia Fernandez's office and local officials.
What happened next: The program closed with a performance by the New Rochelle Youth Bureau Elite Steppers and a reception in the rotunda; organizers asked honorees, committee members and city staff to remain for a photo op.
The city did not record a formal vote or policy action at the event; proclamations and the bouquet presentation were ceremonial.
