A Night of Elegance: Honoring Civil Servants at the All Black Elegance Affair

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On September 13th, 2025, the city came together for a night of recognition, unity, and pride at the All Black Elegance Affair, founded by Toney Herbert. This annual celebration salutes New York City and state civil servants, spotlighting the men and women who serve their communities with excellence, dedication, and leadership.

A Family Moment to Remember

It was an unforgettable evening shared with my family—Wallace Chin and sons Marco and Liam—whose support made the night even more meaningful. I was also proud to be joined by the ACE DSNY Executive Board (Denise Harbeck, Todd Millines, Christine and Frank Avvento), DSNY Hebrew Spiritual Society President Eddie Yood, and my DCAS colleague and boss, Valerie Shannon. Together, their presence reminded me that achievements are never individual; they are built on community and collaboration.

Recognizing DSNY Excellence

The evening was highlighted by the recognition of my DSNY colleagues, Debra Barreto and Barry Seaton. Together, we proudly represented our associations and brought home awards for:

• ACE – DSNY
• AABS – African American Benevolent Society Organization
• United Women of Sanitation Association

This collective honor reflects not only the hard work of each organization but also the strength that comes when diverse associations come together under a shared mission.

Gratitude and Recognition

A heartfelt thank you goes to Janie Nesbitt for the nomination, and to the Urban Civil Service Network for recognizing the work of ACE DSNY and our peers. Their acknowledgment validates the countless hours and dedication poured into advancing our communities and ensuring representation within civil service.

A Celebration of Service

The All Black Elegance Affair was more than an event—it was a powerful reminder that civil servants are the backbone of our city and state. From sanitation to administration, from advocacy to leadership, this gathering honored the people who keep our communities strong.

Congratulations to all of the honorees, and thank you to Toney Herbert for creating a platform that not only uplifts civil servants but also ensures their contributions are celebrated with the dignity and elegance they deserve.