Gala Honors Walker, Morial, and Miller for Decades of Work on Social Justice, Philanthropy, and Human Rights
New York City Mayor Eric Adams awarded a Key to the City of New York to Gracie Mansion Annual Conservancy Gala honorees Darren Walker, Marc Morial, and Michelle Miller. Walker currently serves as president at the Ford Foundation, Morial is the president of the National Urban League, and Miller co-hosts CBS Saturday Morning and has additionally provided decades of volunteer work in philanthropy. The honorees received their respective Keys to the City for their decades of work toward social justice, human rights, and philanthropic support for marginalized communities.
“Our administration has made it a priority to welcome New Yorkers from every community to Gracie Mansion, and to celebrate the diversity that defines our city across the globe,” said Mayor Adams. “Our city is a home for all New Yorkers and its history, including Black History, and tonight’s honorees are an impressive addition to our story. Marc Morial, Michelle Miller, and Darren Walker have transformed this city with their vision and advocacy and defined what Black excellence means for a new generation, and I am honored to present them with the Key to the City of New York for all their contributions to our city.”
“New York City has long been a destination for people from all over the world who strive to reimagine what’s possible and realize their dreams, including me,” said Darren Walker, president, Ford Foundation. “I have the privilege to call this world-class city home, and to lead one of the many great New York-based institutions that support the vibrant arts, culture, and economy that New York has to offer. But, most importantly, I have the privilege to work in support of the New Yorkers who will always be the crown jewel of this city. I thank the City of New York for this recognition and honor.”
"I am honored to receive the Key to the City of New York and see the recognition as a celebration of the tireless work of countless individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing social justice, equality, and opportunity in this great city,” said Marc Morial, CEO, National Urban League. “Thank you to Mayor Adams for taking the time to recognize this important work and for helping us all tackle the tough challenges facing our communities — whether it's addressing disparities in education, economic mobility, or other persistent challenges. This key is a reminder that our collective work to deliver for New Yorkers is never finished, but is a powerful symbol that when we come together, we can unlock the doors to a better, more equitable future for all."
"I am humbled to receive the Key to the City of New York and accept it standing on the shoulders of the generations of journalists, philanthropists, and public servants who continue to contribute to our great city,” Michelle Miller, co-host, CBS Saturday Morning. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the boards of the School of American Ballet and Education Africa, where I’ve seen firsthand the power of education and the arts to transform lives. I am also thankful for the chance to volunteer alongside dedicated individuals in public schools across Harlem and Brooklyn, where I work to uplift and empower our next generation of leaders. I am grateful to Mayor Adams for this meaningful honor, and I pledge to continue doing everything I can to serve the people of New York City.”
The Key to the City of New York was first awarded in 1702 by New York City Mayor Phillip French, when he offered "Freedom of the City" to Viscount Edward Cornbury, governor of New York and New Jersey. By the mid-1800s, it became customary to award the Key to the City of New York as a direct symbol of the city's wish that a guest feel free to come and go at will. Today, the Key to the City of New York is a beloved symbol of civic recognition and gratitude reserved for individuals whose service to the public and the common good rises to the highest level of achievement.
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