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Allen AME lauds TimesLedger photographer

By Ivan Pereira

A TimesLedger photographer will be among those honored during a special Father's Day ceremony at the Greater Allen AME Cathedral.

Nat Valentine will join Lennon Kennedy, a longtime advocate for Greater Allen, and William Samber, a member of the Tuskegee Airmen — America's first black Air Force pilots who fought during World War II — at the church's 10th annual Father's Day Dinner and Gospel Show on Sunday, June 15. The event celebrates fathers who have made a longtime difference in the community.

“I feel good about it. It's nice to be appreciated,” said Valentine, 74.

Born in the Bronx and raised in Jamaica, Valentine is a free-lance photographer who has taken thousands of photos for TimesLedger, many during news events in southeast Queens. After marrying his wife, Rosalie, Valentine moved to Cambria Heights, where he and his wife raised their five children. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service.

The photographer, who has three grandchildren, said he hopes his appearance will inspire future fathers to do what they love and stay close to their families.

For more information on the celebration, which will be held at 110-31 Merrick Blvd. at 4 p.m., call 347-421-7086.