The Long Island community will gather for Homegrown Heroes on L.I., a powerful celebration recognizing outstanding leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers

(Black PR Wire) Long Island, NY — The community will gather for Homegrown Heroes of L.I., a powerful celebration recognizing outstanding leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers whose work continues to uplift and empower communities across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The event highlights individuals whose dedication to service, economic empowerment, advocacy, and cultural advancement.

About: Curator:  Mrs. Shirley Darkeh, an acclaimed curator and trailblazing community leader, is the visionary behind the Homegrown Heroes exhibit. With six decades of dedication to preserving African American history and empowering future generations, her work continues to shape and uplift Long Island’s cultural legacy. A former Director of the Nassau County African American Museum.

Curated as both a celebration and a call to action, Homegrown Heroes shines a spotlight on those whose leadership has strengthened small businesses, created opportunities, and championed equity throughout the region. The program will feature recognition presentations, inspiring remarks from community leaders, and strategic networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and continued impact.

“Homegrown Heroes represents the power of local leadership,” said Phil Andrews, Pres. of the L.I. African American Chamber of Commerce “The honorees are not only making history they are building a legacy of economic empowerment, mentorship & community resilience that will benefit generations to come.”

The event will draw business leaders, elected officials, nonprofit advocates, faith leaders, and community stakeholders committed to advancing economic growth and equity across L.I.

Event partners 100BMENY  & LIAACC.

Acknowledging "homegrown" talent is vital for the current generation, as it provides visible proof that success does not require an exit from one's community. For future generations, it establishes a lineage of leadership, ensuring that the next wave of founders has a floor of support rather than a ceiling of systemic barriers.

The Case for Support!

While national headlines provide visibility, local & national support provides the "fuel." 

• Generational Wealth programs and events: Business education and micro-grants for emerging founders.
• The Advocacy Pipeline: Ensuring minority-owned firms are at the table for multi-million-dollar state and regional contracts.
• Youth Entrepreneurship: Investing in the high school and college students who will be the "Heroes" in the future.”

“Homegrown Heroes is about recognizing that our community’s greatest assets are the people already standing next to us,” added Rose Ward, VP of the L.I. African American Chamber of Commerce. “Investing in this foundation is an investment in the families, neighborhoods, and regional stability of L.I. for decades to come.”

Event Details

• What: Homegrown Heroes of 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 secure tickets or donate today:  https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/homegrown-heroes-of-long-island

The African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.