03/31/2026
As proud members and supporters of the Staten Island Black Heritage Coalition, the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Staten Island Section was honored to support and celebrate the 8th Annual Red, Black, and Green Ball on March 27, 2026, during Women’s History Month.
This meaningful event was a powerful celebration of Black women, Black history, and community excellence. Centered around the Pan-African flag, a symbol of Black pride, liberation, and resilience, the evening recognized Black women in the Staten Island community whose leadership, service, and achievements have paved the way for future generations. It served as a reminder that Black women’s history is history, and their contributions, legacy, and impact cannot be erased.
We were proud to celebrate this year’s honorees:
Debi Rose — former New York City Council Member for the 49th District and the first African American elected to public office on Staten Island
Anne Taylor-Carsel — the first African American appointed to the New York City Board of Elections as Staten Island’s Commissioner
Pryde Smith-Gilbert — the first African American woman elected President of the Staten Island Young Democrats, a chapter of the New York State Young Democrats
Joan L. Rannie — one of the first Black women to serve as a principal on Staten Island, widely respected for her leadership and long-standing impact on public education in the borough
Edna Greenwich — founder and director of Opera Exposures and the first African American on Staten Island to bring opera performances directly into the community and other nontraditional venues
Notably, four of the women honored are connected to the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Staten Island Section. Debi Rose is a past president, while Pryde Smith-Gilbert, Joan L. Rannie, and Anne Taylor-Carsel are current members.
Special recognition was also given to The Honorable Tashanna Golden, a Housing Court Judge, former Staten Island Legal Services attorney, and native Staten Islander committed to community fairness and access to justice.
The evening was filled with joy, pride, and celebration. Guests danced the night away to the sounds of DJ Tyson and enjoyed two live performances: a live operatic performance sponsored by Edna Greenwich and a live R&B performance sponsored by the Staten Island Black Heritage Coalition.
We also proudly recognize the members of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Staten Island Section who were present in support of this special occasion: Beth Coleman-Oliver, Nicole Meyers, Tanisha Franks, Alicia Coleman, Brittany Waddy, Theodora Cross, Virginia Allen, Sheila Cofield, Jennifer Watkins, Minnie Graham, Edwina Martin, Lorna Wilson, Letricia McCleary, Michelle Akyempong, and Dawn Reid-Green.
We commend the Staten Island Black Heritage Coalition for continuing this important tradition of honoring the remarkable Black women whose resilience, leadership, and achievements strengthen our community. Their stories inspire future generations and remind us of the importance of continuing to uplift, empower, and celebrate one another.
Black women’s history is history, and their legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
