C. Virginia Fields Awards — Frederick Douglass Boulevard Alliance

The 2025 C. Virginia Fields Awards

FDBA is excited to announce that the 2025 C. Virginia Fields Awards will take place on Thursday, February 20th, from 6:30pm-8:30pm. This award is named in honor of the iconic former Borough President, whose transformational leadership led to the rezoning of Frederick Douglass Boulevard, Harlem’s most vibrant residential and commercial corridor and restaurant row.

Since 2014, FDBA has presented the C. Virginia Fields award to pioneering entrepreneurs, community and civic leaders who are celebrated for their impact and for all they do for the village of Harlem.

We look forward to seeing you and this event is free and open to the public. RSVP Required.

Recipients

2025

Curtis Archer, President, Harlem Community Development Corporation

Hon. Alvin Bragg, Manhattan District Attorney

Hon. Adriano Esplaillat, United States Representative, 13th Congressional District-NY

Adriane R. Ferguson, Owner, B2 Harlem and Billie's Black Restaurants

Alvin Less Smalls, Owner, Mr. Lee's Bakery

Hon. Keisha Sutton-James, Manhattan Deputy Borough President

About C. Virginia Fields Awards

The Honorable C. Virginia Fields, former Manhattan Borough President, made a lasting impact on our community through her transformative work on Frederick Douglass Boulevard. During her tenure, she took 17 acres of blighted land and rezoned it, transforming it into Harlem's official gateway and Restaurant Row, a vibrant area that has since become a cornerstone of the neighborhood.

Among her many achievements on Frederick Douglass Boulevard are the creation of the Frederick Douglass Monument and Circle at 110th Street and the Harriet Tubman Monument and Square at 122nd Street. These landmarks not only honor historical figures but also serve as enduring symbols of progress and community pride, reflecting the deep respect and commitment C. Virginia Fields has for preserving and celebrating our heritage.

We created the C. Virginia Fields Award to celebrate the brilliance, excellence, and long-lasting legacy of C. Virginia Fields in our community. This award honors individuals and organizations that embody her spirit of leadership and dedication, continuing the work of building a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous community for all.