Highlights from the 2022 Black Power Blueprint volunteer appreciation party
On December 10, 2022 we held our first “Heart and Soul” Volunteer Appreciation Party for all the Uhuru N2U Volunteers involved in the Black Power Blueprint projects.
The Black Power Blueprint projects have addressed the disparities in health, education, and economic development that exist in our communities and the change we have created is possible because of the help from our amazing volunteers.
The volunteer appreciation party included an award ceremony, delicious food, and time and space for attendees to mingle. The event was a great success and we look forward to doing it again next year.
Award Winners
Awarded to volunteers who always strive to make things the very best they can be for the African working class and our struggle for self-determination. The winners are: Mitchell Pearson, One Africa! One Nation! Farmers MarketZoya Samsonov (Uhuru Solidarity Movement) – A/V Coordinator for #GivingTuesday TelethonAwarded to volunteers who are always there when you need them, and also when you don’t, to do whatever is necessary to complete the task or assignment at hand. The winner is:Brendan McCoy (Uhuru Solidarity Movement), Program Coordinator for the #GivingTuesday TelethonGiven to volunteers who have contributed a lot of their time. Nothing in the world takes the place of persistence and determination. The winner is:Marisa Martinez, One Africa! One Nation! Farmers MarketAwarded to a young person (age 10-18) who enthusiastically steps forward, taking responsibility to be a positive role model for their peers. Leadership is not a position or a title, it is action and example. The winner is:Torryn Gray, Black Power Blueprint Garden and Black Power Vanguard Basketball CourtGiven to a group of volunteers whose outstanding performance and accomplishments together warrant recognition. The sign of a good leader is not how many followers you have but how many leaders you create. The winners are:The Ervin Scholars Volunteer Group from Washington University in St. LouisBoys Hope Girls Hope of St. LouisThe Black Power Blueprint Social Media Team: KC, Lisa, Chris, Yakimah, Leslie, Zoe, Ash, Nick, Joey, Amy, MarquesRecognizing individuals whose positive attitude impacts those around them. Their positive spirit is contagious, motivating and enhances the confidence of everyone they work with. The winners are:Jordan Fly, One Africa! One Nation! Farmers MarketJordan Simmons, Black Power Blueprint Projects
Awarded to a volunteer who makes others better as a result of their presence and who makes sure that impact lasts in their absence. The winner is:
Tobias Pristupin, Black Power Blueprint ProjectsWhether it is a novel improvement or an innovative way to accomplish a task, Bold Initiative Award winners help move the organization forward. Suggestions that improve the quality of the organization’s operations and services are eligible for consideration for this award, as well as accomplishing a task or advancing the struggle. The winner is:Rhya Fogerty, Uhuru N2U CoordinatorGiven to individuals whose performance demonstrates extraordinary efforts above and beyond the “call of duty,” who demonstrate enthusiasm and who promote pride, teamwork and a positive image throughout the organization. The winners are:Dr. Loretta King (Project Black Ankh), Lead Medical ProviderLeah Fifield, Grants Committee
More photos from the volunteer appreciation event
Akwaaba Hall is available to rent!
The Heart & Soul Volunteer Appreciation Event was held in St. Louis Akwaaba Hall, a beautiful event space available for community rentals. The room can be used to host events of up to 150 people including birthday parties, weddings, meetings, classes, repast services, graduations, baby showers, and so much more. Call (314) 380-8016 to speak with a representative about reservations, pricing, and tours. You can also learn more about Akwaaba Hall on the APEDF website.