African American Environmental Pioneer Awards hosts 5th annual event for Black History Month
Photos by Yvonne Kemp
The 5TH Annual African American Environmental Pioneers Awards (AAEPA) were held on Monday, February 19, 2024 at the Ivy House, 906 S. Barclay St. These awards were first held in 2020, in effort to recognize African American community members who have dedicated themselves to work in service to the Milwaukee community and the planet, through their work in environmental conservation, sustainability or advocacy. The awards ceremony is always held during Black History Month to honor the rich cultural history of the African Diaspora, while celebrating our living generations of all ages for their efforts to make the world a better place through environmental stewardship. A big congratulations to the 2024 Honor Roll, including the Pioneer Awardees: Damien Debuhr, Groundwork MKE; CaBeatrice Hart, Alice’s Garden, Rural Urban Flow and Mystic Phoenix Art; Grian Hollies-Maxwell, Groundwork MKE and Maxwell Farms; Sandra Jones, Victory Garden Initiative; Mia Noel, WI DNR Havenwoods; and the Rising Star Awardees Alexander Hagler, Kuumba Juice & Coffee and Nearby Nature; Mitchelle Lyle, Hydroponics STEM Program; Wis. Assembly District 10 State Rep. Darrin Madison; and Hassan Richardson, UWM undergrad researcher in conservation and environmental science.
