The winners of this year’s Neighbors Organizing Against Racism John Lewis Good Trouble Awards have been announced ahead of this month’s Michigan Black Summit, to be held at Lake Michigan College.
Neighbors Organizing Against Racism Director Trenton Bowens tells us the awards are given to those who have made a positive difference in the community. Among the winners is Virgie M. Rollins, a Benton Harbor native who stands as the Chair of the Democratic National Committee Black Caucus.
“How can we have a black summit without giving a legacy award to someone who’s paved the way for people like that?”
Also receiving awards are Stephanie Vanderberg Harvey, the community relations and foundation giving and compliance executive at Whirlpool Corporation. She’s been instrumental in many Benton Harbor community projects, including the development of Emma Hull Flats, Union Park revitalization, and the dedication of June Woods Park.
The third award winner is Renaldo Triplett, a Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education Trustee and mentor.
Bowens says they’ve sold more than 150 tickets to the Michigan Black Summit so far.
“I just got a phone call from somebody from Detroit that it’s coming. We have people coming from all over and I’m excited because all eyes are on Benton Harbor.”
The Michigan Black Summit will be at Lake Michigan College February 16 and 17. The awards will be given out as part of its gala on the 17th.
