ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – The Black Heritage Gala was held in downtown Rochester at the Riverside Convention Center Saturday evening. This year's theme was African Americans and Labor: Strength in the Struggle. Honorees include Dr. Walter Cooper, Former Mayor Bill Johnson, Amorette Miller, Debbie L ee, Assemblyman Demond Meeks The Rochester Chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. Rochester Mayor Malik Evans and the committee presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to scientist and activist, Dr. Walter Cooper and a Community Icon Award for Rochester`s first African-American Mayor William A. Johnson Jr. Additional honorees included: Bishop Jerry and Co-Pastor Maggie McCullough of Faith Temple Apostolic Church, labor leader Debbie Lee, Amorette Miller of WDKX and the Rochester City School District, the Rochester Chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU), and New York State Assemblyman Demond Meeks. The gala was a celebration of Black Excellence in Rochester recognizing extraordinary people in our local labor movement from historic strikes to pivotal civil rights victories in the workplace fighting for fair wages, better working conditions, and a seat at the table. News 8's Theresa Marsenburg was the "Mistress of Ceremony" ...read more read less