The Region is full of passionate individuals who are dedicated to making the community a more diverse, inclusive place. On Wednesday, October 25, Urban League of Northwest Indiana celebrated these individuals during its annual Diversity and Inclusion Awards Luncheon. The day was the perfect opportunity to shed light on all the wonderful people who have pushed the needle and encouraged people to go out and continue working toward change.
"In my capacity at Urban League, I am endeavoring to promote cultural inclusiveness and collaboration throughout Northwest Indiana and together create opportunities to have conversations relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion. said Dr. Vanessa Allen McCloud, CEO of Urban League.
Over 500 people from all over Northwest Indiana came out to show their support for Urban League and its mission. The event opened with the Believe & Achieve Choir from Tradewinds who gave an outstanding rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. Everyone was excited and motivated to learn more about what Urban League does to encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion in the community, workplace, and in leadership.
"I hope everyone leaves here and shares the message of how important diversity and inclusion are.. Urban League's work is critical to making sure we continue recognizing the people and agencies who are working to move that needle forward is vital. We're proud to partner with them and be at the table to support them," said Marcos Rodriguez, Chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College.
After some lighthearted conversation and a fun dance illustration, by Dr. McCloud, meant to help people remember what Urban League is all about, Magistrate Erika Stallworth, for La Porte County, delivered a moving message about finding her purpose in helping her community become more inclusive.
From being one of only nine Black individuals in her graduating class to going away to Spellman college and finding her voice to coming back to her community and discovering room for growth, Stallworth knew she had to do something in the juvenile justice system.
"Children with similar charges experienced very different outcomes. Those with financial resources fared better than those without. That summer I decided to go to law school and become a judge so I can help guide the trajectory of a young person's life," said Stallworth.
After introductions by Judge Thomas Alevizos, Stallworth's story motivated everyone in the room to go out and seek ways to make change for a more diverse and inclusive community, especially in the workplace. "We can only get better when we have diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives at the table," said Magistrate Stallworth.
Next, it was time to hand out several awards to members of the community who have already made an incredible difference. Mike and Mary Martinez, founders of Hannah's Hope, won the Leadership Award for providing equipment to every child with disabilities who needs it regardless of their background.
"All we see is a child with a disability who needs help. We help everyone regardless of race, money situation, and family situation–it doesn't matter to us. We provide assistance to kids and aim to show families that there are still good people in this world who are willing to lend a hand without looking for recognition. We just want to make a difference," said Mike Martinez.
The couple was touched to receive such a meaningful award and were humbled to be shown recognition for something they do simply because it's the right thing to do.
"This is very humbling. To sit in a room full of so many people who make a difference and be singled out as one of those people is an incredible honor. This award doesn't have our names on it–it has Hannah's Hope's. I share this award with every sponsor, every donor, and every volunteer that our organization has. We're just a very small part of a greater good and as long as we can continue to make a difference one kid at a time, we're doing things right," said Martinez. Other awards were presented to
Gary Historical & Cultural Society won the Leadership Award, Gary Community Partnerships won the Community Award, and WLTH Radio 1370 am & 92.7 FM won the Minority Business Award. The Moving the Needle Award was presented to Edgewater Health and the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Leigh Morris.
Leigh Morris, a gentleman who has served his community in countless ways throughout his 88 years of life, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. He emphasized the concept of staying "Woke"
He emphasized, "The concept of “woke” is not a monolithic or static one, It is constantly evolving and adapting to new cultural, political, and social contexts. Clearly, the woke concept had its roots in advocating awareness of social and political issues affecting African Americans, and that continues to be a focus. But woke nowadays refers to being aware or well informed in a political or cultural sense, especially regarding issues surrounding marginalized communities - it describes someone who has “woken up” to issues of social injustice."
His parting words left everyone feeling inspired and perfectly captured what Urban League's annual Diversity and Inclusion Awards Luncheon is all about.
"If I could say anything, I would say get involved. Find a cause you believe in, engage with it, and give a part of yourself. You'll feel more of a sense of ownership in the community and you'll make a positive difference. There are so many needs and so many opportunities out there—make time for at least one thing you feel passionate about. That's the best advice I can give," said Morris.
The event ended the same way it began: with joyful conversations and promises to talk more later. Only this time, a sense of empowerment hung in the air. Through a READI grant, the Urban League provides DEI Awareness Training to organizations and facilitates courageous conversation on race, stereotyping, implicit bias, and leadership. Urban League of Northwest Indiana's annual Diversity and Inclusion Awards Luncheon recognized the community's committed individuals and increased people's hope for the future any better.
To learn more about Urban League of Northwest Indiana, call 219-887-9621 or visit www.urbanleagueofnwi.org