Dr. Ben Receives a Congressional Award at Co-op City Black History Event.

With 400 to 500 people in attendance, Dr. Yosef A. Ben-Jochannan (known lovingly as Dr. Ben), received a Congressional Award from
Congressman Joseph Crowley (Democrat - US House Representative NY 7th District) at the 7th Congressional District Honors Black History Month 2009 Event on Monday, February 9, 2009 at Co-op City in the Bronx. The civil rights leader Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II served as the keynote speaker. Dr. Ben was recognized for his many contributions.

Brother Onaje Allan Gumbs suggested the Award for Dr. Ben during a phone call to Congressman Joseph Crowley. Paul Dominique, who works in Congressman Crowley's office was also helpful in facilitating Dr. Ben's Award. Mr. Dominique accompanied Dr. Ben to parts of Africa on 2 trips.

Brother Gumbs drove Dr. Ben from the nursing home in which he now resides to the Award ceremony in Co-op City and sat with him the entire evening.

Reported by Agnes Johnson