Where there has been progress in Detroit neighborhoods look for a woman of color, she was probably responsible.
The tireless efforts and ongoing support from Detroit women have increased access to local food, created space for the mental health needs of parents and challenged authority to help residents find and keep homes, among other noble causes across Detroit’s neighborhoods.
Six women have gone beyond the call of duty by giving their time and attention to assist their neighbors. The women will be presented with the Power of One Dedicated Woman Award on Sept. 22 through Michigan Community Resources, which provides legal, organizational, and professional assistance to nonprofits serving low-income communities. This is the sixth year the nonprofit will acknowledge women of color in Detroit for their dedicated time and work to address community needs across the city. The awards will be held virtually this year due to the coronavirus.
Amber Umscheid, a program manager at Michigan Community Resources, said the organization recognizes women whose volunteerism has made a difference in the community, but aren’t typically recognized on large platforms for their work.
“Our honorees are so humble, and though they have undoubtedly made an impact, most of them are quick to acknowledge that they could not do this work alone,” Umscheid said.
Over 40 Detroit women were nominated in 2020 — some even for their efforts to assist others during the pandemic.
The award winners come from neighborhoods across the city. Each woman has something in common: No one ever asked for her help, she just did what she knew needed to get done. In addition to the six honorees, Samoy Smith will be recognized for co-founding Creating Space Detroit and building a pocket park, among other contributions, in the Bagley community.
Claudia Enriquez was nominated for being an advocate for parent leaders and her work with the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation. Sandra White, an AmeriCorps VISTA member, was nominated for her 18 months of service to supporting HOPE Village, which she has to take several buses to reach due to not having her own transportation.
“She has become the foremost champion for fresh/local food in the HOPE Village,” one of her supporters wrote on White’s nomination form.
Theresa Landrum was nominated for her work with council member Raquel Castaneda-Lopez.
“Theresa Landrum is a classic example of a neighbor who works tirelessly, perhaps to her own health detriment, to support neighbors in need,” a supporter wrote on Landrum’s behalf. “She is a warrior of environmental justice, and the good of our community. I can’t think of a better unsung hero to celebrate than Theresa.”
Yvonne Gibbs, will be honored for her many community initiatives that include a backpack and school supply drive, park beautifications, and checking in on seniors during the early days of the coronavirus quarantine.
Jasmine Mahone created a mental health support group for parents at the Brilliant Detroit Osborn House that has been lauded as “a model of what peer mental health support work can look like in Detroit,” from her nomination form.
Joyce Moore’s neighbors nominated her for a Power of One Woman Award for her relentless challenge to authoritative figures like the city’s land bank to help residents keep their homes. Moore’s neighbors wrote that she was tenacious and protective of her community and its residents.
Each of the awardees will receive recognition and prizes, including coaching and technical assistance that will support their community-based work.
Stories from previous Power of One Dedicated Woman Award winners in their own words can be found on YouTube.