Watch our video recap of the 20th Annual MLK Youth Recognition Awards

View our MLK Awards photo gallery

Each year, to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., NJCDC’s Paterson Youth Council (PYC) hosts the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Recognition Awards — a signature event within our year-long youth leadership and civic engagement program. Now in its 20th year, the ceremony continues a proud tradition of lifting up young people and community leaders who embody Dr. King’s vision for justice, service, and collective progress.

For two decades, NJCDC has facilitated the Paterson Youth Council as a citywide, youth-led body, ensuring that young people are not just talked about, but truly listened to, as they help shape Paterson’s future. Each year, PYC members have chosen Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as the moment to spotlight the youth who lead Paterson forward, along with the adults, organizations, and elected officials who support and believe in them.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day also holds special meaning for NJCDC. In 1994, the same year Congress established the King Holiday and Service Act designating the holiday as a national day of service, NJCDC was founded — with our very first program being an AmeriCorps initiative. Since that first AmeriCorps class led a day of service on MLK Day, we have continued to honor the holiday as a “day on,” not a “day off.”

A Room Filled with Community

More than 150 guests gathered for this year’s celebration, including Paterson Mayor and First Lady Andre and Farhanna Sayegh; newly appointed state leaders Tom Hauck, Director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security & Preparedness, and Ed Potosnak, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; State Assemblyman Kenyatta Stewart; Passaic County Commissioners Rodney DeBoer and Mike Ramaglia; Paterson City Council Members Maritza Davila, Alex Mendez, Lilisa Mimms, and Forrid Uddin; Paterson Board of Education President Joel Ramirez, Vice President Della McCall, and Commissioner Kenneth Rosado; Pat Murray, Officer in Charge of the Paterson Police Department; Idida Rodriguez, former Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Nellie Pou; and Julian Jimenez representing Congresswoman Pou, who was unable to attend due to a weather-related flight cancellation.

The program opened with an introduction from NJCDC Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci, followed by a video featuring the words of Dr. King. Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Bob remarked that “the best way to honor Dr. King is not merely with ceremony, but with action — by promoting social justice, respecting diversity, strengthening our democracy, and fighting for our most vulnerable neighbors,” noting that this is the work of the Paterson Youth Council and of the individuals being honored.

Opening remarks were delivered by PYC advisors, NJCDC’s Director of Community Outreach Eddie Gonzalez and Chief Program Officer David Gelman. Eddie shared that “as we remember Dr. King and the legacy he left for all of us to follow, we also recognize these young men and women who are making a meaningful impact in their community,” adding that “we don't just chase dreams — we put purpose and passion behind them.” David reflected that “it’s a pleasure to work with young people who show up, who care, and whose spirit is genuinely inspiring,” adding that seeing how they choose to use their time is “incredibly uplifting.”

Mayor Andre Sayegh — himself a former Paterson Youth Council advisor — tied Dr. King’s legacy of economic justice to present-day work in Paterson, sharing that “last week, we stood in the very church where Dr. King preached on March 27, 1968, with the Dodge Foundation, to announce the renewal of a program that lives out his vision — the Paterson Financial Empowerment Center,” noting that, working alongside NJCDC, the program has already helped more than 2,000 Paterson residents strengthen their credit, reduce debt, and build real financial stability.

The first portion of our program closed with a stirring performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Paterson’s own Tiffani McCutchen, setting a reflective tone for the awards that followed.

Honoring Youth Who Lead with Purpose

After a shared breakfast, PYC members presented this year’s awards, honoring young people and leaders whose actions reflect Dr. King’s commitment to service, justice, and community uplift. Honorees received an awards plaque, a biography of Dr. King, a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Pou, and a certificate of recognition from the Passaic County Board of County Commissioners.

Middle School Award: Brooklyn Monroe

A sixth-grade student at Paterson School 16, Brooklyn Monroe was recognized for her academic excellence, student journalism, and leadership across arts and enrichment programs. Her nominator highlighted her humility, strong voice, and commitment to empowering others — qualities that reflect Dr. King’s belief in using one’s talents to uplift the community.

Middle School Award: Juelz Mora

An eighth-grader at Paterson School 2, Juelz Mora was honored for his leadership as Student Council President, peer tutor, and member of the school’s Unity Crew, where he chose to support a special education student. His resilience, empathy, and ability to lead with kindness have made a lasting impact on his school community.

High School Award: Jamill Esparza

A senior at Eastside High School, Jamill Esparza was recognized for his academic achievement, commitment to service, and aspirations to use technology to strengthen communities. His dedication to volunteering and leadership reflects Dr. King’s values of justice and servant leadership.

High School Award: Esmerelda Rendon

A senior at International High School, Esmerelda Rendon was honored for her academic excellence, volunteerism, and leadership across student organizations. In her acceptance remarks, she pledged to “keep working hard to make more positive changes in our community,” while encouraging fellow youth “to keep going forward into making changes for the future of our community.”

Recognizing Leaders Who Uplift Youth

Adult Champion Award: Di’Andre Davenport

Di’Andre Davenport was recognized for his service-led leadership and unwavering commitment to Paterson’s youth through education, advocacy, and community engagement. In his acceptance remarks, he shared that “leadership means guiding the next generation, challenging yourself, doing things that haven’t been done before, and creating your own standard of excellence,” adding that he recognizes “the influence that I have on those who look up to me — and that awareness shapes my decisions every day.”

Youth-Serving Organization Award: Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts of Paterson

The Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts of Paterson were honored for creating meaningful opportunities for young people to build confidence, leadership skills, and a strong sense of service. Surrounded by the troops, Paterson First Lady Farhanna Sayegh, who was instrumental in bringing the Scouts to Paterson, emphasized the importance of building a culture of service and encouraged the community to “pass the baton” to the next generation.

Elected Official Award: Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz

Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz was recognized for his longstanding dedication to Paterson’s youth, education, and civic life. A former Paterson City Council member and current Assemblyman, he has been a consistent presence at youth-focused initiatives across the city, demonstrating leadership rooted in collaboration and service.

A Closing Note of Unity

To conclude the ceremony, Tiffani McCutchen returned to the stage for a powerful rendition of “Lean on Me.” Long embraced as an unofficial anthem in Paterson for its message of unity and mutual support — and its connection to the city through Joe Clark, the former Eastside High School principal who inspired the film — the song resonated deeply as the audience joined in, transforming the moment into a collective expression of community.

To the Paterson Youth Council — and to all of this year’s nominators, nominees, and honorees — thank you for believing in this city, and for doing your part to build the beloved community that Dr. King envisioned.