Tewksbury Singer Tenesha Scarlett Honored At State House Event

BOSTON, MA — Tewksbury resident Tenesha Scarlett was honored for her contribution to the community at Friday's 2023 Black Excellence on the Hill event at the State House in Boston.

The annual event is sponsored by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus.

Scarlett, the executive assistant to the provost at Middlesex Community College and the lead vocalist of the popular local band Tee & the Gents, was nominated for the Black Excellence Award by State Rep. Vanna Howard (D-17th Middlesex).

The awards commemorate Black community leaders and trailblazers who are moving the needle forward in cities and towns across the state.

"It was a privilege to nominate Tenesha Horne Scarlett for the award," Howard wrote on social media. "Her work and advocacy for making a difference and giving back to our community for more than a decade are always to be celebrated."

Over the years, Scarlett, originally from Lowell, said she and the band have performed "wherever there is a need," whether for groups within Lowell Public Schools, at local community centers, or during charity walks.

"I've always taken pride in helping my community in whatever way that I can," Scarlett told Patch. "I don't like bragging about things that I do, as I've never been someone who seeks recognition. If I can help, I do it with pride and honor to make a difference in the lives of others and those less fortunate."

Scarlett continued: "I also feel as a mother, it's important to show my boys the importance of helping others without seeking anything in return.

"My joy comes from making a difference. I get that from my late grandmother, Jessie B. Horne, who always taught me to have a heart for people and to be a blessing to the community."

Friday's event, which took place in the Great Hall, was held in person for the first time since before the pandemic. Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll both spoke during the ceremony. Bishop Talbert W. Swan II, from the Church Of God In Christ, delivered the keynote address.

"It was a surprise and an honor to be nominated by Rep. Howard," Scarlett said. "Being invited to tour the State House was amazing. As a Massachusetts resident, I had been in the area but never inside that historic building."