Drylongso Awards



Since 1987, Community Change has honored over 100 outstanding individuals for their work challenging structural racism and working to build a just society.

Find out more information about the 2006 Drylongso Awards (October 29, 2006).

History
The Drylongso Awards are inspired by the book Drylongso: A Self-Portrait of Black America. In this book, anthropologist John Langston Gwaltney details the daily struggles of drylongso, or ordinary African Americans fighting against racism. Community Change established the Drylongso Awards in 1989 to honor ordinary people doing extraordinary work in the struggle to dismantle racism.

Purpose
Community Change believes that recognizing and celebrating the work of groups and individuals who are dedicated to creating just and equitable communities is essential as we continue to challenge racism. In a society where mainstream media rarely report the stories of anti-racism activists, the tireless work of these unsung heroes often goes unnoticed. Such work, however, is neither unappreciated nor unimportant. Because these successes count for a lot in the struggle against racism, each year CCI selects a number of community activists to receive the Drylongso Award based on nominations from community members.

Our Awardees Are...

• Individuals or groups working on practical projects challenging systemic racism in order to construct a just and equitable society.

• People working to repair the damage caused by systemic racism, even if not challenging racism directly.

• Individuals who have truly done work in the trenches – with staying power.

• Activists who have not received multiple awards or wide recognition.

• People who are held in high esteem by associates and leaders in their community.

In addition to being honored at the annual Drylongso Awards Ceremony, each Drylongso Awardee receives a framed copy of an Afro-Ethnograph, The Shackle, by Reginald L. Jackson with a quotation from Bishop Desmond Tutu. The Community Change Inc. Drylongso Award Ceremony is also an opportunity for the Boston area anti-racist community to join together to renew our spirits and deepen our resolve to continue working for a just and equitable society.


2005 Drylongso Award Recipients

Yawu Miller
Senior Editor, The Bay State Banner

Dr. Vivian Dalila Carlo
Assistant Professor, Early Childhood Program, School of Education
Lesley University

Mukiya Baker-Gomez
Community Activist and Chief of Staff to
State Representative Gloria Fox

Candelaria Silva
Roxbury Film Festival, Director of ACT
(Arts, Culture & Trade) Roxbury

Karen Miller
President, Boston Society of Vulcans

Judy Tso
Social Scientist, Consultant

Libbie Shufro
President & CEO, Boston Center for the Arts

Union of Minority Neighborhoods
Working to ensure that skilled, committed, grassroots leaders of color effectively organize on issues of concern in their communities, regions, and nation.

The 2004 Community Change Drylongso Award is dedicated to Yvonne Pappenheim (1912-2005), our long-time friend and supporter.

Community Change Inc.
14 Beacon Street, Room 605
Boston, MA 02108
Telephone: (617) 523-0555
Fax: (617) 523-1847

© 2006 Community Change, Inc.