Community Builders Appreciation Banquet 
2023 Sponsored by:
Drake University 

2024 Location - TBD
Nomination application opens January 1, 2024.

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2023 Keynote Speaker
Abena Sankofa Imhotep

​​ Abena Sankofa Imhotep is a renowned writer, transformative thought leader, and the executive  director of   Sankofa Literary & Empowerment Group which creates spaces for lifelong learning  that center the literature   and scholarship of Black authors. She is an active advocate for  education, justice, and humanitarianism.  

 Abena has presented human rights papers on social impact & responsibility and strategies for  achieving   racial justice at the Nelson Institute Global Citizen Forum, the Iowa Human Rights  Research Conference, and   University of Notre Dame Kroc Institute. Abena founded Sankofa  Literary Academy in 2021 and currently   partners with national literacy ambassador Barbershop  

​ Books to expand access to diverse books to 10,000 Black boys across the United States.  
 Additionally, Abena is a board member, an International Relations major at Drake University, a  TEDx speaker,   and author of the beloved children's book, Omari’s Big Tree and the Mighty  Djembe.

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2023 Award Nominees

​Debra Carr

​Iowa Citizen of The Year Award

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Sheryl Barnes
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​James Durham Health Practitioner of The Year Award

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​Taria Mills

Gospel Legacy Award

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Steven Kellogg
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Mary McLeod Bethune Education Award

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Award Opportunities:

• James Durham Health Practitioner of The Year Award

This person nominated needs to have made contributions in the field of health in Iowa.  

• Iowa Citizen of The Year Award

The person nominated needs to demonstrate care for the Iowa community and serve as a model for responsible citizenship. 

• Mary McLeod Bethune Education Award

This person nominated for this awards needs to have made contributions in the area of education.  

• Gospel Legacy Award

The recipient of this award needs to be involved with the gospel community by being a musician, teacher and/or contribute to  the best values and/or traditions of gospel music in the state of Iowa. 

• Jesse F. Taylor Advocacy Award

The recipient of this award needs to be an advocate and a voice in the “grassroots” community.

• Del “Saxman” Jones Blues Legacy Award 

The recipient of this award needs to be involved with jazz by being a musician, teacher, and/or contributor to the jazz community in the state of Iowa.

• Liberty Award

The recipient of this award needs to have contributed to assisting members of the community in the political process. This includes but is not limited to taking people to the polls to vote, being a representative of various communities, and educating others on the political process.

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View 2023 Neighbors Day pictures below. 
Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo.

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