FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Brooklyn Nonprofit Is Creating Educational Opportunities for the Next Generation and Will Feature Comedian Josh Johnson at Inaugural Fundraiser on October 1
The Val A. Henry Legacy Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of a Brooklyn civic leader by investing in STEM education, scholarships, and young people.
BROOKLYN, NY – August 27, 2026 — The Val A. Henry Legacy Scholarship Fund, a new Brooklyn nonprofit dedicated to creating educational opportunities for young people, is hosting its first benefit reception, featuring a live performance by Josh Johnson, comedian and writer for The Daily Show and Netflix, at Fandi Mata in Williamsburg on Thursday, October 1, 2026
The organization was established to continue the legacy of Val A. Henry, a lawyer, civic leader, and longtime Brooklyn community figure who believed education was one of the most powerful tools for changing a person’s future. Born in Panama and raised in Brooklyn, Henry served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Edolphus “Ed” Towns and as Executive Director of the Local Development Corporation of Crown Heights, Inc.
Deborah Henry, President of the Fund, said, “Every child deserves the opportunity to discover their potential.” The Fund invests in STEM education, robotics and technology to empower the next generation of innovators and leaders.
The Legacy Fund is already putting that philosophy into action by providing STEM and robotics kits, educational resources, and scholarships to under-resourced schools and students. The organization partnered with P.S. 375 Jackie Robinson School in Brooklyn in July 2026, providing STEM resources to support hands-on learning.
“Today’s students will solve tomorrow’s greatest challenges,” said Kairi Henry, Treasurer of the Val A. Henry Legacy Scholarship Fund. “Every STEM kit we provide is an investment in a future inventor, engineer, physician, entrepreneur or leader.”
For the Legacy Fund, the reception is more than a fundraiser; it is an investment in tomorrow’s scientists, engineers, innovators and leaders.
ABOUT THE VAL A. HENRY LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP FUND
The Val A. Henry Legacy Scholarship Fund continues Val A. Henry’s commitment to education and investing in young people. The Fund provides STEM resources, robotics kits, and scholarships to under-resourced schools and students.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Richard Burroughs
Email: media@vahlegacyfund.org
