Homegrown Heroes of Long Island Celebrates Community Excellence and Cultural Legacy at Adelphi University

Garden City, NY — March 15, 2026 — Community leaders, advocates, and changemakers from across Long Island gathered on March 14, 2026, at the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center for the highly anticipated Homegrown Heroes of Long Island event an inspiring evening dedicated to honoring individuals whose work continues to uplift and transform the region.

The event was proudly hosted by the African American Small Business Foundation, Inc., the philanthropic arm dedicated to advancing economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and community sustainability across the region.

“Homegrown Heroes of Long Island represents the very essence of our mission uplifting those who are building stronger, more resilient communities through leadership, service, and innovation,” said a spokesperson for the African American Small Business Foundation, Inc.

“Homegrown Heroes of Long Island represents the very essence of our mission uplifting those who are building stronger, more resilient communities through leadership, service, and innovation,” said a spokesperson for the African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. “As the host organization, we are committed to investing in the people and platforms that create lasting economic and social impact in our communities.”

Curated by renowned cultural visionary Shirley Darkeh, the event showcased a powerful cross-section of leaders in business, community service, arts, and advocacy. The program highlighted the importance of preserving cultural narratives while recognizing those actively shaping the future of Long Island’s diverse communities.

“Homegrown Heroes is about recognizing the brilliance that already exists within our communities and ensuring those stories are told, celebrated, and preserved,” said Darkeh. “This is not just an event—it is a movement.”

The evening featured dynamic tributes, artistic presentations, and powerful storytelling that reflected the resilience, excellence, and impact of the honorees.

The event also underscored the mission-driven work of organizations such as 100 Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc. and the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc., both of which were represented at the event and continue to play a pivotal role in advancing economic empowerment, mentorship, and community development throughout the region.

Aligned with the “Four For The Future” ® framework—mentoring, education, health & wellness, and economic empowerment—the presence of the 100 Black Men of Eastern New York highlighted the importance of leadership development and generational impact. Their participation reinforced the organization’s commitment to the model “What They See Is What They’ll Be” ®, emphasizing visibility and representation as key drivers of success.

The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. further demonstrated its ongoing efforts to strengthen minority-owned businesses and create sustainable economic ecosystems across Long Island through advocacy, access to capital, and strategic partnerships.

The evening concluded with a renewed call to action for continued collaboration, investment, and recognition of the leaders who are shaping Long Island’s future from within.

About Homegrown Heroes of Long Island: Homegrown Heroes of Long Island is a cultural and community recognition initiative dedicated to honoring individuals whose contributions have significantly impacted the social, cultural, and economic fabric of Long Island.

About: Shirley Darkeh - Shirley Darkeh is a respected cultural curator and community leader known for her work in elevating underrepresented voices and producing impactful programs that celebrate heritage, leadership, and community excellence.

About African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. -The African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. serves as a leading philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting African American entrepreneurs and communities through access to capital, business education, technical assistance, advocacy, and community engagement initiatives.

As the host of Homegrown Heroes of Long Island, the Foundation continues to play a vital role in advancing economic empowerment and sustainable community development.

About 100 Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc. - 100 Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc. is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the quality of life in communities through mentoring, education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment initiatives.

About Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. - The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is dedicated to supporting and empowering African American businesses through advocacy, education, and economic development initiatives.