On Sunday, June 8, Mohonk Consultations presented its 2025 Distinguished Achievement Award to Kitt Potter. The award event at the Mohonk Mountain House Pavilion was joyous celebration of Kingston’s Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs and the many ways she has enriched the culture of the region.
Our 2025 Awards Ceremony celebrating Kitt Potter, the City of Kingston’s Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs, began with the exhilarating energy of Kofi Sankofa and continued throughout the evening.
Next on the program, Reverend Nick Miles Tecumseh Red Cloud brought the Great Spirit to our gathering through his performance of the Native American Lord’s Prayer.
Pastor Rob Sweeney’s homily about the value of Kitt’s service through her countless good works reminded us of the many threads Kitt has weaved together to provide a full tapestry of community arts and culture.
Kate Hymes, 2024 Ulster County Poet Laureate and vice-president of the Margaret Wade-Lewis Center for Black History and Culture (MWLC) read one of Kitt’s favorite poems.
Esi Lewis, Ulster County’s Chief Diversity Office and Founding President of the MWLC recalled how she first met Kitt. Her speech reminded us of the role that diversity and inclusion play in the many arts programs Kitt has produced. When art is beautiful, painful and instructive, that is how we grow and learn.
Evelyn Clarke gave a soaring, a capella performance of Feeling Good. The only version that comes close in beauty and intensity is here. We were awestruck.
Drew Andrew’s loving tribute for all that Kitt has achieved was a reminder that great things don’t come easily. Drew reminded us that Kitt’s life’s work of healing, hearing and learning through the arts took courage, vision, diplomacy, a little stubbornness and a lot of patience.
Representatives from the offices of Congressman Pat Ryan, Senator Michele Hinchey, Assemblywoman Sarahana Shrestha and County Executive Jen Metzger presented Certificates of Appreciation. Mayor Steve Noble himself presented a Certificate of Honor for Outstanding Achievement.
In her acceptance remarks, Kitt brought both gravitas and wit. Our guests listened with expressions of delight, admiration, appreciation and shed a few tears as Kitt described the challenges, and ultimate triumphs of illuminating our history through the arts. Thanks to Congressman Pat Ryan, Kitt’s outstanding achievements are permanently archived in the Library of Congress.
I’m of Dutch, African and Native American heritage, so New York State history relates to me in three flavors. I stand on the shoulders of my grandparents—Ellsworth Vanderzee Potter and Helen Potter—and all my ancestors, known and unknown. I am most humbled and so very grateful to all who have journeyed with me.
My heart is full and you’ve brought me, my friends, family and colleagues, so much joy. You are all God’s Trombones and great gifts to our communities. May your Angels be not obstructed.”
Mohonk Consultations expresses our gratitude to Kitt, all the performers, singers, and guests for bringing the joy to Mohonk.
Sponsorship support for the 2025 Distinguished Achievement Award has been provided by CPW, Basch, Keegan & Spada, Kellar, Kellar & Jaiven, and Jim and Mary Ottaway. Additional support provided by Empire Wine and JK’s Wine & Liquor.