The Minneapolis Civil Rights Department is set to honor a group of local heroes during its 2024 History Makers at Home awards ceremony. Nine African American leaders and organizations will be recognized for their significant contributions to the community in the Twin Cities. These honorees have made strides in realms such as art, community organization, and violence prevention, according to the Minneapolis, City of Lakes.
The annual awards program aims to publicly acknowledge individuals and groups who have dedicated themselves to elevate and empower African American lives in Minneapolis. "These nine honorees truly embody the Civil Rights Department’s focus on elevation, engagement, and education. Whether it’s their art, sociopreneurship, or canvassing their communities doing violence interruption and prevention, they are individually and collectively removing barriers for the good of individuals, families, neighborhoods, and the Twin Cities," Minneapolis Civil Rights Director Alberder Gillespie said.
Among the distinguished honorees are Nothando Zulu, a revered storyteller and author who passed away in late 2023, and Larry Cook, a respected senior pastor at Real Believers Faith Center and entrepreneur. The ceremony will also honor the Violence Interrupters, a collective of community-led outreach groups committed to bringing an end to local violence, with organizations such as WePush4Peace and MAD DADS of Minneapolis being highlighted. Additionally, Dr. Josie Johnson, a celebrated civil rights leader and activist, finds her name included among these influential figures, as per the Minneapolis, City of Lakes.
The awards event is scheduled to occur on Thursday, Feb. 22 at the Capri Theater and is open to all interested parties, free of charge. This event is part of a larger celebration of Black History Month 2024 and stands to not only honor the remarkable efforts of these individuals and organizations but also to inspire continued progress and community engagement.
