“Homegrown Heroes” Photographic Exhibit is Curated by Shirley Darkeh will shine the light on local Heroes

GARDEN CITY, NY — Ten Toes Down for “Homegrown Heroes” of Long Island is a photographic exhibit curated by Shirley Darkeh who is highly acclaimed, and her groundbreaking exhibit will shine the light on local heroes who are products of private and public high schools on Long Island.

This event follows a night of high-level networking and cultural celebration at Fogo De Chao observing Black History Month, the African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. (AASBF) is officially touting the massive success of its latest milestone event. The gathering, which drew a capacity crowd of community leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate partners, has set a new benchmark for how economic partnerships are strengthened on Long Island.

The event served as a vibrant showcase of the Foundation's mission to bridge the gap between small business aspirations, professionals, corporate partners and friends.

ICYMI Another Night of Impact and Recognition is scheduled for March 14, 2026 at Adephi University Performing Arts Center in Garden, City New York from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM

The Ten Toes Down for “Homegrown Heroes” will unveil landmark photographic exhibition, curated by the legendary Mrs. Shirley Darkeh. The exhibit will provide a powerful visual narrative of the entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders, educators, servants who have stayed local, built, and thrived in their own backyards.

“The energy in the room will a testament to the fact that our community is ready to lead the way in economic equity,” said Phil Andrews, Founding President of the AASBF. “When you look back at the images that will be displayed from this event, you won’t just seeing a party; you will be seeing the architecture of a sustainable economic engine for Long Island.”

About: Shirley Darkeh: Shirley Darkeh: Shirley Darkeh is an acclaimed curator, artist, entrepreneur, poet and community advocate whose six-decade career has profoundly influenced Long Island’s cultural landscape. She currently serves as the curator for the Homegrown Heroes of Long Island exhibit. Mrs. Darkeh has pioneered community arts programming, hosted public affairs radio, and founded Project Pride, a youth self-development initiative. Her leadership includes roles in corporate finance and nonprofit innovation, and she has been recognized for her enduring commitment to civic engagement and cultural preservation.

The African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. is Ten Toes Down for "Homegrown Heroes" of Long Island.

National Momentum Meets Local Success

This upcoming triumph comes on the heels of the Foundation making national headlines in Essence, Black Enterprise, and Afrotech. This national recognition has validated the AASBF’s model local, intentional, and community-driven as a blueprint for the future of business advocacy, and our ability to build a sustainable community.

Building the Future: A Case for Continued Support

The success of this event will provide a springboard for the Foundation’s ambitious 2026 agenda. AASBF is calling on new donors and corporate sponsors to join this movement to ensure that the momentum translates into tangible results, including:

• Generational Wealth Programs: Direct business education and micro-grants for emerging founders.
• The Advocacy Pipeline: Ensuring minority-owned firms secure seats at the table for multi-million-dollar regional contracts.
• Youth Entrepreneurship: Mentoring the high school and college students who will be the "Heroes" of the next decade.

“Homegrown Heroes is about recognizing that our community’s greatest assets are the people already standing next to us,” added Rose Ward, Vice President of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce.

Join and Support this Movement: These events are part of rebuilding the social fabric that will sustain our communities well into the future and set the tone for future generation to come as a model of what we can achieve when we work together collectively.

Organizations and individuals looking to invest in our community’s regional stability on Long Island are encouraged are encouraged to attend our upcoming event: “Homegrown Heroes” of Long Island at Adelphi University.

Event Details

• What: Ten Toes Down for Homegrown Heroes on Long Island Fundraising Celebration
• Where: Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530
• When: Saturday, March 14, 2026, | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Levels of Support: Visionary ($100), Benefactor ($75), Champion ($50), Supporter ($25), Friend of the Cause ($20).

Join the movement and secure your tickets today at: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/homegrown-heroes-of-long-island

About the African American Small Business Foundation, Inc.The African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing economic equity. Through education, advocacy, and access to capital, the Foundation empowers minority and underserved entrepreneurs to build sustainable, job-creating enterprises across New York.