Local resident honored for anti-racism efforts

On April 23, The Saint Paul Foundation honored five anti-racism advocates – including an Alexandria area resident – at the sixth annual Facing Race Ambassador Awards.

“The awards celebrate individuals working to end racism in Minnesota,” said Carleen Rhodes, president and CEO of The Saint Paul Foundation. “With racial disparities on the rise, we believe it is critical to recognize leaders who strive to create greater equity in our community.”

The Ambassador Awards celebration, organized by the Facing Race We’re all in this together initiative of The Saint Paul Foundation, was created to recognize anti-racism leaders and promote community-wide conversations about race.

The Ambassador Awards honored Macalester College Professor Emeritus Mahmoud El-Kati and Steve Pederson, an executive leadership team member with Diversity Resource Action Alliance in Alexandria.

“Mahmoud El-Kati and Steve Pederson have demonstrated remarkable leadership, personal sacrifice and commitment to making every member of our community feel safe, valued and respected,” said Rhodes. “We are honored to recognize their fight for racial equity.”

Along with Ambassador Award recipients El-Kati and Pederson, three additional individuals will receive honorable mentions for their efforts to end racial disparities. They include: Elizabeth A. Campbell, emerging business inclusion coordinator, Ryan Companies US, Inc.; Taneeza S. Islam, Esq., civil rights director, Center for American-Islamic Relations-MN Chapter; and T. Gregory Stavrou, executive director, Rochester Civic Theatre.

Tags: local news, news, racism, honored