City Of Eden Prairie: 2020 Human Rights Awards Presented

Press release from the City of Eden Prairie:

05/19/2021

Members of Eden Prairie's Human Rights and Diversity Commission announced the 2020 Human Rights Award winners at the May 18 City Council meeting. The award recognizes a local individual, youth, nonprofit organization and/or business who have worked to create an inclusive community spirit through actions, activities or programs.

The following Human Rights Award winners were recognized for upholding the values of the Eden Prairie Manifesto.

Individual Award — Joan Howe-Pullis

Joan Howe-Pullis upholds the values of the Eden Prairie Manifesto by demonstrating a deep commitment to building a more welcoming and inclusive community. She has been involved in countless community initiatives and organizations including the City's Housing Task Force, the Human Rights and Diversity Commission, Interfaith Outreach and New American Development Center. Joan’s position as the director of justice at Pax Christi Catholic Community has allowed her to mobilize Pax Christi members to serve others through initiatives such as The Giving Garden. Joan is tireless in her service of others — from showing up at Broadmoor Apartments with a truck, ready to help displaced residents move into new housing, to advocating for affordable housing opportunities through her work on the Housing Task Force. Her accomplishments and contributions are too extensive to list, but her spirit remains consistent. Joan believes that regardless of race, economic status, gender or relationship status, all are equal stakeholders. Her work demonstrates that whether you are a new arrival to Eden Prairie or a longtime resident, Eden Prairie is stronger when there is a place for everyone. Her impact on our community is immeasurable.

Youth Award — Abshir Noor

Abshir Noor upholds the values of the Eden Prairie Manifesto by supporting his fellow students as they strive to maintain their educational goals during the COVID-19 crisis. By helping his peers maintain a connection to their education, he helps ease their mental strain during distance learning. He encourages his peers to treat one another with respect and accept one another for who they are. His future is bright as he pursues an internship to learn the science of soil cultivation. He plans to develop skills to battle food insecurity by empowering youth to grow their own food. Abshir is a shining example of a young person who strives to support those around him.

Nonprofit Award — Hope Speaks Project

The Hope Speaks Project upholds the values of the Eden Prairie Manifesto by providing a platform for parents to learn how to talk about racism with their children, for parents to build relationships with one another and support a strong multicultural community in Eden Prairie. The Hope Speaks Project recognizes that silence perpetuates racism and families need to have honest, open, personal and engaged conversations to actively combat racism in our homes and community. Co-executive directors Kristen Pehl and Meghan Malone (pictured right) provide a supportive environment for participants to have uncomfortable conversations while modeling the compassion that empowers participants to go into our community with a greater understanding of ourselves, neighbors and community. By empowering community members to address racism head on, the Hope Speaks Project makes a brighter future possible.

Business Award — Southwest Transit Prime MD

Southwest Transit’s Prime MD program upholds the values of the Eden Prairie Manifesto by providing non-emergency medical transportation to ensure that residents have access to appropriate medical care. Transportation access impacts the daily lives of residents and is a social determinant of health. Seniors, individuals with disabilities and those with barriers to transportation benefit most from Prime MD’s services. As Eden Prairie’s demographics continue to shift, accessible transportation will continue to be a challenge for community members. Prime MD offers the opportunity for residents to maintain their independence and health needs.

Nominations for the Human Rights Award can be made by persons on behalf of themselves or others. Nomination materials are made available in January each year and award recipients are selected by the Human Rights and Diversity Commission in March.

This press release was produced by the City of Eden Prairie. The views expressed here are the author’s own.