African American Environmental Pioneer Awards 2021
February 23, 2021 | Topics: Events
In recognition of Black History Month, the African American Environmental Pioneer Awards is in its second year recognizing those in Milwaukee’s African American community working for a better environment. The award ceremony was held on February 22 at 5 Points Art Gallery + Studios, broadcast online due to COVID‐19.
Pioneering Harlem poet Dahveed Nelson was the featured speaker. Nelson is a member of the Last Poets and credited for work that led to the emergence of hip‐hop. Steven Hunter, a veteran of Milwaukee Public Theater was the emcee for the program. Drummer and performance artist Jahmés Finlayson provided musical interludes.
In addition to honoring seven “Pioneers,”this year’s intergenerational awards also recognized six young “Rising Stars.”
Congratulations to these honorees:
Pioneer Awards
August Ball, Cream City Conservation Corps.
Robert Brox, Community Gardener
Richard Diaz, Coalition on Lead Emergency
Michelle Dowl, Groundwork Milwaukee
Aureal Ojeda, Outwoken Tea
Sherry Terrell Webb, Groundwork Milwaukee
Dr Sylvia Wilson, Teens Grow Greens
Rising Star Awards
Dynasty Ceasar, City of MKE Environmental Collaboration Office
Teonna Cooksey, Architectural Designer, Urban Planner
Erin Eregbu, Horticulturist & Landscape Designer
Sierra Taliaferro, Naturalist, Outdoor Leader
Martina Patterson, Youth Educator, Nearby Nature
Wilniesha Smith, Reflo, Administrative Coordinator
The group has adopted the call “Asase Ye Duru” represented by an Ashanti Adinkra symbol meaning “The Earth has Weight”, symbolizing the providence and divinity of Mother Earth.
A livestream recording of the event can be viewed by clicking here.
The following individuals were responsible for organizing this event:
Terry Evans, Urban Ecology Center – Washington
Park
Cassandra Flagg, Green & Healthy Communities LLC
Steven Hunter, Nearby Nature Milwaukee
Yvonne McCaskill, Triangle Neighborhood
Association
Martina Patterson, Nearby Nature Milwaukee
David Thomas, Nearby Nature Milwaukee / Sierra Club Great Waters Group
PIONEER AWARDEES
RISING STARS
Program graphics created by graphic artist Nigeria Riggins