A HISTORIC NIGHT TO REMEMBER
OUR INAUGURAL GALA AND AWARDS CEREMONY
The Inaugural Gala for Brownsville Heritage House Inc. (BHH) is more than an elegant evening, it is an opportunity to honor, preserve, and uplift the rich cultural legacy of Brownsville. This special event brings together community leaders, supporters, and visionaries who believe in safeguarding local history and empowering future generations.
Guests will enjoy a beautifully curated experience at one of Brooklyn’s premier catering venues while directly contributing to the continued growth and revitalization of BHH. Funds raised will support operations, educational programs, cultural exhibitions, youth initiatives, and the preservation of invaluable historical archives that tell the story of Brownsville’s past, present, and future.
Attending the gala is a chance to celebrate community pride, invest in meaningful work, and stand with an institution dedicated to keeping Brownsville’s heritage alive. It’s an evening of purpose, connection, and impact—one that helps ensure this vital cultural treasure continues to thrive for generations to come.
THE AWARDS
PATRICIA DEANS CULTURAL AWARD
In tribute to our first curator, Patricia Deans, we are honored to launch this new award and present it to Horace Young. Ms. Deans' tireless dedication ensured that Rosetta Gaston's legacy endured and flourished. The award recognizes those who, like Ms. Deans, serve as guardians of memory—preserving history with care, nurturing community connections, and inspiring future generations to honor the past while shaping a vibrant cultural future.
ROSETTA GASTON LEADERSHIP AWARD
We are proud to launch this eponymous award, named after our visionary founder, by presenting it to Iris L. Robertson. This award celebrates individuals whose unwavering commitment to cultural preservation, community empowerment and historical stewardship echoes Ms. Gaston's pioneering spirit. Recipients of this award embody the courage to create, the wisdom to educate and the passion to uplift the voices and stories of Brownsville's rich heritage.
THE FEATURED MUSICAL GUEST, RONNIE BURRAGE
Ronnie Burrage is one of those musicians whose career almost reads like a map of modern jazz itself — wide‑ranging, deeply rooted, and constantly evolving. He is a world‑renowned drummer, composer, producer, and multi‑instrumentalist whose powerful blend of jazz, funk, soul, and global rhythms has shaped more than five decades of modern music. A St. Louis native with early roots in classical choral singing, Burrage performed with Duke Ellington at just nine years old and went on to appear on more than 170 recordings. His dynamic, poly-rhythmic style and deep musical vocabulary have made him a sought‑after collaborator for icons including Michael Brecker, Wayne Shorter, Joe Zawinul, Cedar Walton, Woody Shaw, and McCoy Tyner.
Beyond the stage, Ronnie Burrage is a respected educator and cultural advocate. He has helped establish international jazz programs in Austria and Ivory Coast, advised university jazz clubs and world‑music festivals, and continues to mentor emerging artists as a professor at CUNY Brooklyn College. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to artistic innovation, global musical exchange, and community‑centered education.
Ronnie Burrage brings to the Gala's stage his unmistakable sound and visionary spirit. It's a rare opportunity to experience one of jazz’s most versatile and influential voices.
If you can’t attend, you can still make a powerful impact
Your Generosity Helps us Change Lives Everyday
We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive space for people of all ages and backgrounds to explore the arts and culture. From music and dance to visual arts and theater, our programs and events offer something for everyone. we couldn’t accomplish our goals without the support of people like you. BHH thanks you for your donations that make this possible! Click image to give today.
JOIN US FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE EVENING MARCH 28, 2026
OUR INAUGURAL GALA AND AWARDS CEREMONY