Paterson honored Black community leaders on Wednesday for uplifting residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor Andre Sayegh and the Paterson City Council hosted the Black History Month awards to recognize the work of seven figureheads. From fighting COVID-19 on the front lines to supporting families with young children during school closures, these leaders gave back when their neighbors needed them most.

"Our founder is the reverend, late Dr. Eileen Gilmore. We're carrying on her dreams. Her dream was to have educational services for all students. It didn't matter of the culture, ethnicity or religion,” says Dr. Brenda Belmont, executive director of Gilmore Memorial Preschool.

Paterson hosts the Black History Month awards every year.