02/27/2021
FIGURES OF BLACK EXCELLENCE IN THE BRONX:
As we reach the end of this year's Black History Month, we would like to take this opportunity to honor constituents who, on the basis of their contributions to the Bronx, we believe to be leading examples of Black Excellence.
Linda Kemp
Among many things, Linda Kemp is an organizer, an educator, a care worker, and an activist. Words, however, cannot fully-capture the role she plays strengthening the bonds of community so that the district forms a healthier, happier whole.
Founder of Bringing the Peace, Mrs. Kemp is especially known for her projects addressing public health, relations with law enforcement, and neighborhood beautification. She has a passion for fostering connections between groups who would otherwise not associate, and we have this to thank for the strong union that exists in the 79th.
Clyde Thompson
Throughout the many years he has spent servicing our district, Mr. Thompson has always believed in the importance of a community safety-net.
Through his work as a Program Director at Butler Houses, who recently delivered over 100,000 meals to residents of the Bronx during COVID-19, he turns this belief into practice. As a man who offers a helping-hand to people during desperate times, he can only be described as a guardian of our community.
Gwen Primus
Mrs. Primus is a person who finds purpose providing for others, and this alone is the reward she seeks through her labor. As she is a selfless and charitable woman, no neighbor is allowed to go hungry or homeless under her watch.
Her work at Webster House or the local food pantry has indiscriminately served the needs of thousands in the Bronx. Although she may not always ask for it, she deserves recognition for the tireless sacrifices she makes in the name of community progress.
'Sleep' Johnson
Sleep Johnson is known within the community as a man with friends in all places. It is no coincidence that such a rich network of associates would fall upon a man with the drive, charisma, and generosity of Sleep.
Mr. Johnson is an strong believer in the idea that the community as a whole shares the responsibility of fostering and educating the youth. Through his role founding and running the Community Board Athletic Leadership League (C-Ball), he ensures that every new generation in the Bronx is equipped with the resources to succeed.
