Narcisse celebrates birthday, presents ‘Dare To Be Different’ Awards
A packed house of over 500 celebrated the birthday of Brooklyn Council Member Mercedes Narcisse on Thursday evening, at the Paedergat Yacht Club in Canarsie, Brooklyn, during Narcisse’s annual fundraiser at which she presented the “Dare to Be Different” Awards.
The Dare to Be Different Awards have been awarded annually since Narcisse, the Haitian-born representative for the 46th Council District in Brooklyn, took office.
The recipients are chosen for their “remarkable dedication and service, embodying the spirit of true unsung heroes who make an impact on a daily basis in a variety of fields,” Narcisse said.
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse with Bishop Cecil Riley. Photo courtesy Mercedes 2025
“I was so humbled by the level of support shown at my birthday celebration and Dare to Be Different Ceremony,” she told Caribbean Life on Tuesday.
“I just loved sharing my birthday celebration with the 26 honorees who make such an impact in our community and in our city,” she added. “These individuals often go unnoticed, and I wanted to provide a platform to recognize their immense efforts and thank them for all they do.”
Narcisse supporters – From left: Council Member Narcisse celebrates with constituents, Elaine Reid, Andrenia Burgis, Council Member Narcisse, Velda Jeffrey, Ketly Lespinas, and Patricia Wiliams.
Photo courtesy Mercedes 2025
Patrons were treated to a live performance by the Virtual Jukebox Band, and music by DJ Madd Fyre.
City Council colleagues, Farah Louis, Susan Zhuan, and Inna Vernikov were in attendance, along with Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, and a host of other community leaders and residents.
The 2024 Dare to Be Different honorees were: Salman Rehman Afridi, Shabir Ahmad, Nadine Charles, Dr. Daniel Dume-Charles, Taryn Conolly, Paul Curiale, Martine Duroseau, Hubert Gay, Goksel Guven, Jean Joseph, Dr. Sima Karetnaya, Saghir Khan, Rev. Yves Lambert, Sharon Leid, Dr. Robert Matarazzo, Elba O. Melendez, Dr. Paul Nacier, Dr. Mecca Nelson, Rev. Dr. Samuel Nicolas, Boris Noble, Dr. Carole Pierre-Louis, Bridgette Ingraham-Roberts, Dr. Herold Simon, Kyle Simmons, Jennifer Troman and Chantal Numa Toussaint.
