On Feb. 22, the Minneapolis Civil Rights Department recognized History Makers at Home at the Capri Theater in North Minneapolis. The event started at 11 a.m. and concluded with a networking reception from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. The honorees included the late master storyteller Nothando Zulu; Minnesota civil rights icon, educator, and author Dr. Josie Johnson; community leader and business owner Larry Cook; and Violence Interrupters who work to prevent serious conflicts.
The event also featured drummer Ghana M’baye’s musical performance and Poetic Rhema’s spoken word. Sherlonda Clarke from the Civil Rights Department served as the event’s master of ceremony.
Vusemuzi Zulu was on hand to accept the award on behalf of his late wife. He cited one of her iconic stories, “The Eagle,” to a roaring response, as did Poetic Rhema, who delivered a powerful poem. Dr. Johnson, now 93 and jokingly semi-retired, accepted her award via video from Atlanta.
Dr. Johnson’s award was announced and received by Sherlonda Clarke as the honoree listened in before giving a soft-spoken thank you to event sponsors and expressing gratitude for being able to serve a city she so loves.
“I’m deeply thankful to receive this award and to have been a part of my city while demonstrating the value of working together for positive outcomes. I will continue to work for my people and our history,” said Johnson.
Larry Cook, co-founder and senior pastor at Real Believers Faith Center and founder of Sherman Woods Home, a sober living housing program for recently incarcerated men seeking to recover from addiction, was honored for being an outstanding community leader and business owner.
The Violence Interrupters Award acknowledges numerous organizations working to eliminate or defuse potential situations that may lead to serious violence. The groups include MAD DADS of Minneapolis, Metro Youth Diversion Center, Restoration Incorporated, Strength Group, TO.U.C.H. Outreach, and We Push For Peace.
The History Makers Awards honor Minnesotans who are changemakers making a difference in their respective areas.
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