The Easter Hat Pageant had become a popular event among seniors in East New York prior to the city being hit with the COVID pandemic. Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas started the event in 2017 prior to her becoming an elected official. The last Easter Hat Pageant was held in 2019, when Lucas was a community advocate for seniors.
Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas stated, “I had to bring the Easter Hat Pageant back because it’s one of those important events that seniors in the community look forward to. It gives us all a chance to get together in celebration of the Easter holiday, particularly after the pandemic.”
As always, the event was well attended, with over 350 seniors coming out to either participate in the pageant or as attendees. Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, who has been a partner in the event since its inception, was on hand to celebrate the occasion. Chris Banks, candidate for the 42nd District Council seat and Kings County Civil Court Judge candidate Turquoise Haskin, were also in attendance.
Congressman Jeffries stated, “it’s an honor and privilege to be here once again in partnership with my good friend and colleague in government, Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas, on this Easter Luncheon and incredible hat pageant.”
“It’s almost as if we didn’t skip a beat. The seniors came out in full force, and all our partners who had been with us three years ago supported the seniors once again. Congressman Hakeem Jeffries has been incredibly consistent in his support for the district. I can’t thank him enough”, added Assemblywoman Lucas.
The judges for the pageant included actual Kings County Court judges, which included Judges Ed King, Rupert Barry, Jacqueline Williams, Ellen Edwards, and Lisa Ottley.
The winners of this year’s women’s dazzling bonnet contest were Brenda Doldron (1st place), Mary Saunders (2nd place) and Willie Mae Glenn (3rd place). The winners of the men’s dashing hat contest were Rodney Boyd (1st place), Nigel Dupree (2nd place) and James (3rd place).
Partners in the event included:
- Congressman Hakeem Jeffries
- Millennium Development
- New Wave Dance
- One Brooklyn Health
- Fusion East
- Power of Hope
- PATHS Dance @ Thomas Jefferson Campus
- Find Community Connection
- Brooklyn Printers
- Dunkin’ Donuts
- The People First Democratic Club
Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries
Chris Banks, Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas, Turquoise Haskin
PATHS Dance from Thomas Jefferson Campus
New Wave Dance
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