More than 500 New York heavyweights, including former Mayor David Dinkins, news anchor Deborah Roberts, and Dr. Richard Firshein gathered in support of the historic and groundbreaking Northside Center on it’s 70th Anniversary at Cipriani 42nd Street last week.
Ms. Roberts served as Mistress of Ceremonies for this year’s event, which was held in tribute to founders Drs. Mamie and Kenneth Clark.
The doctors were pioneering psychologists who opened the center seven decades ago to give all children — particularly from African American and Latino homes the best possible education and health care services possible.
“The value of giving these children an opportunity to pursue educational and artistic endeavors is priceless,” said Dr. Firshein, a longtime supporter.
American Express CEO Ken Chenault also spoke with great admiration and humility about the Clarks and their achievements
“We are all brown babies and children of Brown vs. Board of Ed and would not be where we are today if not for the work of Drs. Mamie and Kenneth Clark,” Chenault said.
Today, Northside Center’s programs operate out of four locations in New York City two in Harlem and one in Brooklyn and the Bronx respectively.
The programs offers services in mental/behavioral health, early education and enrichment.
“This organization provides children struggling with mental and behavioral health issues early education and after school programs that focus on artistic and cultural enrichment,” said Dr. Firshein, a longtime Northside supporter.
Longtime Northside supporter, Dr. Richard Firshein with dear friend Dana Goldstein, wife of the organization’s Chairman of the Board.
Northside is partnered with the American Ballet Theatre, which offers formal ballet classes and movement classes, taught by ABT’s certified dance instructors, to pre-k children and exposing them to the art form as an opportunity to learn dance.
The enrichment programs entail a variety of cultural activities, from The Chess Program to the Karate Kids Afterschool Program to JAMM (Jazz Appreciation and Making Music).
