News Release
February 28, 2006
Contact: DEA Public Affairs

New York Field Division Celebrates the 30th Annual African American Heritage Celebration

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Associate SAC Wilbert Plummer addressess the New York Field Division at the 30th Annual African American Heritage Celebration

On February 28, 2006 the New York Field Division celebrated the 30th Annual African American Heritage Celebration.

Amidst the jazz music, southern cuisine and convivial conversation, employees at 99 Tenth Avenue commemorated African American Month and heard from renown African American leaders in New York.

Highlighting the celebration was Keynote Speaker, Gil Noble. Mr. Noble is the producer and host of WABC-TV’s weekly public affairs series, LIKE IT IS. Mr. Noble has received over 650 community awards, numerous industry awards including 7 “Emmy’s”, a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the national Association of Black Journalists and an Honorary Doctorates.

Jeff Pegues, an Emmy-nominated Journalist was the Master of Ceremonies and added to the program by providing insight on being an investigative reporter in New York. Mr. Pegues has worked as a main anchor and lead reporter for the past 13 years. Presently, Mr. Pegues is a reporter for WABC-TV in Manhattan.

The New York Field Division was also enlightened by remarks from Associate SAC Wilbert Plummer and retired Special Agent in Charge Lewis Rice. Both of whom commended the NYFD’s Black Affairs committee for planning this momentous celebration and for arranging for the Bradford Hayes Jazz Quartet to entertain the Division throughout the ceremony. Mr. Rice also made note that the day of the celebration marked the 17th Anniversary of SA Everett Hatcher’s death. Mr. Rice recognized SA Hatcher and the contributions he made to the DEA.

Associate SAC Plummer closed the ceremony by stating, “Black History month is a time to pay tribute to those African Americans who were pioneers of civil rights. Each of us has a role to play in our agency and our communities. During this month, we should remember those who fought for us to have the strength and dignity we have today.”