An award reception in October paid tribute to the accomplishments of 21 ‘Unsung Heroes’ for their outstanding contribution to advancing public health in Minneapolis and St. Paul communities.
The event was co-sponsored by the National Community-Based Organization Network (NCBON) and the University of Minnesota’s Clinical Translational Science Institute (CTSI).
CTSI’s community engagement team (CEARCH) played a key role in co-hosting the event. Staff and faculty delivered remarks, several CEARCH Management Council members and their community partners submitted nominations for award recipients, and the event culminated with several CEARCH council members and grantee teams being recognized as Unsung Heroes.
Celebrating Unsung Heroes
Established in 2004 by the American Public Health Caucus and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Scholars, the Unsung Hero Award is given to celebrate the incredible yet often unheralded work of leaders in the field of community-based public health.
This year’s national recognition focused on heroes in the Twin Cities, as the metropolitan area was the site of this year’s annual conference for the American Public Health Association (APHA), the largest public health professional organization in the U.S.
“We are blessed to recognize an amazing, diverse, incredibly impactful list of individuals and groups who make a difference in local communities in the Twin Cities,” said NCBON leadership representative, Juanita Booker-Vaughns, to a roomful of attendees at the Historic Coliseum Building in South Minneapolis.
Ella Greene-Moton, NCBON Founding Member, President, American Public Health Association closed the event by presenting the Lucille Webb Award to CTSI staff member, Susan Gust. This national award is presented annually to an individual who exemplifies community leadership in community-based public health.
Heroes with CTSI connections
Chaz Sandifer, theNEWmpls, a CEARCH Management Council member, was named an Unsung Hero for her work to make health and wellness affordable, accessible, and attainable for the diverse populations she serves.
Another Management Council member, Shannon Pergament, also received an award. Shannon was recognized for her commitment to ensuring SoLaHmo — a community-driven research program — runs smoothly, has adequate funding, and maintains high-quality research standards.
SoLaHmo, a CTSI grantee and collaborator, received a group award in recognition of its dedication to the advocacy and actualization of preparing community and academic researchers interested in Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR).
The Black Storytellers Alliance was another awardee with CTSI connections: Makeda Zulu is a member of the Black Storytellers Alliance, a CEARCH Management Council member, and the Senior Director for Community Partnerships at the Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center. The Black Storytellers Alliance has shared stories throughout Minnesota, the nation, and the world and are keepers of the African oral tradition which empower the voices of youth inspired by the wisdom of Elders to master the art of storytelling as a means to preserving history and the connection to community.
For more than 30 years, the Black Storytellers Alliance has brought the art of the African Oral Tradition to Minnesota communities. Their performances weave together traditional tales and stories about African Americans who have had a profound impact on people’s lives.
Attendees were treated to a performance by Brass Solidarity. Founded in 2021 in response to the murder of George Floyd, these gifted musicians are united in their dedication to using their talents to promote social justice and bring people together. The group also received an Unsung Heroes Award.
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