Antoinette Brown Blackwell. Photo provided by Antoinette Brown Blackwell Society
On April 1st , 2025 the Antoinette Brown Blackwell Society presented a yellow rose to its 2025 Antoinette Brown Blackwell Henrietta Woman of the Year.
The Society selected Mai Abdullah, currently vice president of the Rush-Henrietta Central School District Board of Education. A native of the Sudan, Mrs. Abdullah has lived in and served this community for over 25 years. Among her volunteer activities are directing Refugees Helping Refugees and serving as an interpreter and support specialist for immigrants facing the state courts. Mrs. Abdullah serves on the Multicultural Parent Advisory Council where she helps parents navigate the school system to achieve the best support for their children. She makes it clear that families should be involved, and all students, of all races and abilities, deserve the best future possible.
In her own words, “To be recognized in [Antoinette Brown Blackwell’s] name is both an honor and a responsibility, one that inspires me to continue striving for a more just and equitable world. It fuels my passion to do better, to be better, and to advocate even more fiercely for those who need it most.”
Mrs. Abdullah will be recognized at an annual luncheon celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Antoinette Brown Blackwell on Saturday, May 24, 2024 at noon at Wild Wood Country Club. Information about the luncheon can be found on the website antoinettebrownblackwell.org
