State House citations: community leaders honored by Black Empowerment Council

At a State House Black History Month event, the Black Empowerment Advisory Council and the governor's office presented citations to a group of community leaders for their work advancing culture, health, workforce access and housing services across the Commonwealth.

Honorees named during the program included:

Kenny Lumpkin (Springfield) ' Owner of Dewey's Jazz Lounge and the All American Bar & Patio, credited for strengthening community through his restaurants.

Jacqueline Jones (Brockton) ' Founder of the Harambee Learning and Cultural Center, which offers courses and events on African American history and culture.

Shirley Edgerton (Pittsfield) ' Founder of the Women of Color Giving Circle, Youth Alive Performing Arts Group and the Rites of Passage and Empowerment Program; helps recruit teachers of color for Pittsfield schools.

Lou Brady (Worcester) ' President and CEO of the Family Health Center of Worcester, recognized for advancing health equity.

Dana Ribeiro (New Bedford) ' Massachusetts liaison for community outreach and engagement for Vineyard Wind; noted in remarks for her role in offshore wind outreach.

Dr. Deborah Dagwin (Cape Cod) ' Outreach worker for survivors of domestic violence and people experiencing homelessness; first Black woman elected to the Barnstable Town Council.

The program also recognized Renee Dozer (Boston), a union electrician and business agent for IBEW Local 103, and Carl Howell (Lowell), director of housing and homeless services for Community Teamwork, among others who were honored or recognized in absentia.

The event was ceremonial; no formal awards process or policy action was taken during the program. Attendees included council members, cabinet secretaries, artists and youth who recently visited the governor's office.