Sue Wilson Dean, Saturday, July 18, 1998.
 

Sue Wilson Dean has been Director and Instructor of the Umoja African and Drumming Troupe for over twenty years at the Hamilton Hill Arts Center.  She Founded the program with her brother Mr. Danny Wilson.  As a volunteer, Sue Wilson Dean developed a program that attracted young girls and boys teaching the traditions of the African Culture through music and dance.  Children entering the program start as young as 5 or 6 years and are known to continue through High School.  Sue Wilson Dean's leadership has brought the Umoja Dance Company in the forefront as one of the favorite performing groupe in the Capital District and afar.  In additon to teaching the art of African dance, Sue has offered participant informal counseling in survival skills, respect for others ans personal development.  Sue has volunteered as coordinator of the Jerry Burrell Summer Classic Basketball League for the past five year every summer.  Sue has truly served as an example of a community parent.  It is very common to see her driving her station wagon or van full with children going and returning from events.
 

    Mr. Willie Dean has served as volunteer coordinator for the Jerry Burrell Summer Classic Basketball League and has coached and coordinated numerous teams in the CYO basketball leagues.  Willie Dean has organized and managed AAU basketball teams increasing the availability of the program to kids in the Hamilton Hill Schenectady community.  Mr. Dean brought his skills and leadership to the community in the late 1980's when he assisted in the construction of a much needed bathroom for Jerry Burrell Unity Park.  Mr. Dean offered a thoughful and practical design for the facility during a time when City Engineers were overwhelmed with work.  Mr. Dean spearheaded the need for a beutification project for Burrell Park which included improvement and maintenance provisions.  Mr. Dean, a trained Engineer, donated his time to help the neighborhood in Mathematics and Science, providing one on one tutoring services.