By Amanda Moses
On April 6th, Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries made sure to take Brooklynites to “church” for their Annual Easter Hat Luncheon and Pageant at the Brooklyn Sports Club (BSC).
The BSC’s gymnasium was transformed into a festive celebration for the holidays, commemorating the spring season where three religions celebrate their holiest of days: Ramadan, Passover, and Easter. Overall, the luncheon provided an opportunity for senior residents across Spring Creek Towers (SCT), Canarsie, and East New York to break bread together and commemorate the return of the annual festivity.
“This is our first Easter Hat Pageant since the pandemic put a halt to our normal routine of socializing. When I started this event in 2017 the goal was to provide seniors with opportunities to socialize and have a great day out,” Lucas said, “It is important for our health, mental, and physical well-being that we continue to get together whether it’s through events like the hat pageant or to just walk and get moving.”
Throughout the afternoon, Hip Hop, Caribbean classics, and a variety of music emanated from the event where dozens of tables were packed with excited attendees, many of whom donned the best Easter Bonnets for the much-anticipated competition.
The hat pageant was judged by members of the judiciary system, including Honorable Lisa S. Ottay, Honorable Edward H. King, Honorable Jaqueline D. Williams, and Honorable Ellen E. Edwards. Contestants took turns strutting down the table aisles to music mixed by DJ MAMA Kim while the Master of Ceremonies, Lisa Lashley introduced them.
In addition to a live DJ, there were performances by the Penn Wortman Choir, Grammy Award Nominee Jazz Musician Mel Holder, PATHS Dance at Thomas Jefferson Campus, and New Wave Dance.
The final top female and male hat pageant winners were Brenda Doldron and Rodney Boyd.
Photos by Amanda Moses
