Senator Thompson Declares Uncrowned Queens Day

Buffalo, NY – Antoine M. Thompson, NYS Senator, 60th District (Parts of Erie & Niagara Counties) declares Tuesday, March 24, 2009 Uncrowned Queens Day.

On Tuesday, March 24, 2009, Governor David Paterson will honor Dr. Barbara Seals Nevergold and Dr. Peggy Brooks-Bertram for Women’s History Month.  “Every March, we recognize the unique struggles and significant achievements of women.  In commemorating Women’s History Month, we honor the countless contributions women have made to the growth and strength of our nation, and the world around us,” stated Governor Paterson.

Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research and Education on Women, Inc. was founded by Dr. Barbara A. Seals Nevergold and Dr. Peggy Brooks-Bertram.  The goal of the Uncrowned Queens is to commemorate the history of African and African American involvement in the Pan American Exposition of 1901 and to recognized and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of African American women during the period of and in the one hundred years since the fair.

“Because of Uncrowned Queens, many women have been honored for their extraordinary work that otherwise would have gone unnoticed,” said Thompson.

Dr. Barbara Seals Nevergold began her career as a French teacher and guidance counselor in the Buffalo School System.  She has also worked as Executive Director of Niagara Frontier Association for Sickle Cell Disease, Inc., Vice President for Children’s Services at Friendship House of Western New York, Inc., CEO of Planned Parenthood of Buffalo and Erie County, Inc., and Regional Director for Berkshire Farm Center.  Dr. Seals Nevergold was the Director of Student Support Services at the University of Buffalo’s Educational Opportunity Center and also held adjunct instructional positions at Empire State College and the University at Buffalo.

Dr. Peggy Brooks-Bertram is devoted to public education and has a long record of advocacy for parents of children in public schools.  She is the founder and CEO of Jehudi Educational Services, and independent consultant firm specializing in K-12 curriculum development, staff development and training, conference and seminar planning, and specialized grant and proposal development.  Past activities include Chair, Parent Advisory Committee, Buffalo Board of Education, Chair, Early Childhood Centers, African History Infusion Committee member and Chair, Prevention Committee, Blue Ribbon Task Force on AIDS.  Dr. Betram also co-founded Concerned Parents and Citizens for Quality Education, Inc.