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Recognizing Outstanding Achievements & Contributions Of Local Residents During Black History Month

Legislators Earl & Stilley Lead Ceremony Honoring Rev. Raymond Caliman, Collette Fournier, the Honorable William K. Nelson, and Tyrone Williams

Rockland County Legislators Toney L. Earl and Dana G. Stilley led a celebration of Black History Month by recognizing the outstanding achievements and contributions of four dynamic residents – Rev. Raymond Caliman, Collette Fournier, the Honorable William K. Nelson, and Tyrone Williams.

“We are truly fortunate to have such individuals thriving and contributing here in Rockland,” County Legislator Earl said. “They are so deserving of this recognition not only because of their personal achievements, but because they give so much of themselves to make our communities better.”

The ceremony included a musical presentation by trumpeter Brandon Hunt, who offered his rendition of “Lift Every Voice,” often referred to as the Black National Anthem, and a presentation by the St. Charles AME Zion Church Praise Choir. The opening prayer was offered by Rev. Vinny Holmes, pastor of Fairmount Baptist Church in Haverstraw.

“Sharing our culture, experiences, past and present involvement to the growth and development of our society is one of the most significant ways to rally against the targeted effort to rewrite and dismantle the history and diminish the contributions of people of color,” County Legislator Stilley said. “I’m grateful to our honorees for allowing us to share their stories and amplify how they use their gifts to make a difference. Congratulations to them all.”

Each honoree was presented with the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of their outstanding efforts and community service. The Distinguished Service Award is the Legislature’s highest honor.

Rev. Dr. Raymond C. Caliman was raised in Nyack and holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Delaware. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves and enjoyed a 30-year career in the automotive industry, retiring as a Service Manager.

His Christian journey began at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Nyack, where he became an ordained Deacon and Minister. He graduated from New York Theological Seminary and from the Manhattan Bible Institute, where he obtained his master’s degree. He earned a Doctor of Divinity from Eastern Theological Seminary in Virginia.

In 1999, he became an associate minister, an ordained reverend and Pastor of Fairmount Baptist Church, where he served for 25 years, retiring only late last year. He also served as President of the Rockland County Ministers Alliance.

Active in community projects, Rev. Caliman continues to make a positive impact for future generations. He continues to serve and spread God’s word alongside his high school sweetheart and wife of 64 years, Linda. In their honor, the Rev. Dr. Raymond C. and Linda Caliman Academic Scholarship was established in 2019 by their daughter, Kim Caliman Byrd.

Collette Fournier’s unique perspective on life has led to the creation of an incredible and diverse photography portfolio. Her work has been featured in 25 solo and 50 group exhibitions and she has made significant contributions to the visual arts, documenting key historical moments, particularly in civil rights and activism, such as the Million Women March, and capturing figures that have included Rev. Dr. Calvin Butts, Kemba Smith, Nelson Mandela and Angela Y. Davis, among others.

As curator, Collette served as Artist-in-Residence at the CEJJES Institute in Pomona - now The Gordon Black Cultural Arts Center - for a decade. She holds an MFA in the Visual Arts from the Vermont College of Fine Arts and a BS from the Rochester Institute of Technology in Communications and Photographic Illustration. She is the staff photographer emeritus in the Campus Communications Department and is an adjunct professor in the Photography Department at Rockland Community College where she has been teaching for the past 34 years.

Involved with the Society of Photographic Educators, Collette is currently writing a personal narrative about her photography journey and artistic evolution. Her dedication is recognized through multiple awards, including the 2008 Artist of the Year Award from the Arts Council in Rockland County, as she continues to tell impactful stories through her lens.

The Honorable William K. Nelson is best known for his incredible 30 years of service to the judiciary.

Judge Nelson is a proud graduate of Howard University who later obtained his law degree from Columbia University. In between, he served in the Army Signal Corps in Thailand, and in 1967 spent time in Saigon, Vietnam.

His diverse background includes experience as an Assistant Rockland County Public Defender and as an Assistant Rockland County District Attorney.

Judge Nelson's judicial career began in 1984 when he was appointed to the Family Court by Governor Mario Cuomo. The following year marked the beginning of an impressive journey, as he secured three consecutive 10-year terms as a Rockland County Court Judge. Starting in 1999, he also oversaw civil cases as Acting State Supreme Court Judge.

As a Rockland County Court Judge, he presided over the county's most serious felony trials, including significant cases such as murder. Judge Nelson retired in 2014, in accordance with state law mandating retirement at age 70.

Judge Nelson’s legacy is marked by a dedication to justice and community service that continues to resonate. He is a Rockland County Buffalo Soldier Award recipient and has been recipient of other prestigious awards.. He and his wife Bennie created a lasting impact by establishing scholarships in memory of their beloved mothers, Anna Belle Nelson and Selena W. Mayberry. He is also recognized for developing internship programs that guide aspiring youth interested in the esteemed field of law.

Tyrone Williams is  a lifelong resident of Rockland County and a proud graduate of Nyack High School, dedicated to enhancing the lives of young people, particularly young men, in our community.

As the owner of Yogi’z Plus barbershop in Central Nyack, Tyrone has used his haircutting talent and friendly demeanor to create a welcoming environment for his customers over the past 24 years. Customers see him as a skilled, high-quality, and respectful individual who shares his talents with many. In partnership with the Rockland YMCA, Tyrone has provided free back-to-school haircuts for youth, helping those who might struggle to afford this essential service. He understands that a haircut not only enhances one’s appearance but also boosts self-confidence and well-being. Tyrone has extended his generosity to students in Nyack, Spring Valley, and even into Westchester, knowing that a simple haircut can hold significant value for young individuals.

Tyrone has also mentored students interested in playing football and played a key role in establishing the Rocktown Warriors Youth Program, the first travel football program in Rockland. Beyond the sport, the coaches involved taught participants vital lessons in self-discipline, goal setting, commitment, and teamwork.

Tyrone currently serves as the Vice President of Tappan Zee Lodge #79 Prince Hall Affiliate Masons of Rockland County, an organization grounded in the principles of “Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.” Members take pride in their commitment to community service and helping others. Tyrone also serves as Temple Director of the Shriners As Mentors program at the Elejmal Temple #185 in Ossining.

Rockland County Legislators Toney L. Earl and Dana G. Stilley led a celebration of Black History Month by recognizing the outstanding achievements and contributions of four dynamic residents – Collette Fournier, Rev. Raymond Caliman, and Tyrone Williams. The Honorable William K. Nelson  was also honored.

Recognizing Rev. Dr. Raymond Caliman.

 Honoree Collette Fournier receives the Distinguished Service Award. 

Tyrone Williams was among the four people recognized as part of Black History Month celebrations.

Trumpeter Brandon Hunt offered his rendition of “Lift Every Voice,” often referred to as the Black National Anthem.

The gathering included a presentation by the St. Charles AME Zion Church Praise Choir.  

Rockland County Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. congratulated his friend, Rev. Caliman, and the other honorees.

Thank you to all who attended and participated in this year's celebration, including Spring Valley NAACP President Willie Trotman (left), Nyack NAACP President Nichole Hines (right) and our special attendee, Dr. Francis Pratt (the Lady in the Hat).