2011 Facing Race Ambassador Awards

On May 3, 2011, The Saint Paul Foundation honored anti-racism advocates at the Fifth annual Facing Race Ambassador Award celebration, a gathering of 600 community members.

Nathaniel Abdul Khaliq received the 2011 Facing Race East Metro Ambassador Award. He was recognized for his passionate commitment to his community and for 17 years of leadership with the Saint Paul NAACP. His achievements include an anti-racial profiling agreement with the City of Saint Paul – and needed changes to racially biased state and county gang databases. Recently retired as president of the Saint Paul NAACP, he now serves on the organization’s board.

Velma J. Korbel received the 2011 Facing Race Minnesota Ambassador Award. Velma has dedicated her life and her career to racial justice and empowering her community. As director of civil rights for the City of Minneapolis, Velma works to remove barriers so that every individual has an equal opportunity to succeed. Active with the YWCA of Minneapolis for many years, Velma currently serves as board chair. She was instrumental in the creation of the YWCA’s Time to Talk: Forums on Race, an annual gathering that brings together over 1,000 diverse individuals and community leaders to talk about racism.

“Both Nathaniel and Velma have spent their careers working to advance racial equity in our community,” said The Saint Paul Foundation President Carleen Rhodes. “In working to end disparities, these two individuals have demonstrated remarkable dedication, perseverance and commitment to making every member of our community feel safe, valued and respected.”

Three additional individuals received honorable mentions for their efforts to advance racial equity. They included: A. Lori Saroya of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Minnesota; Reverend Paul Slack of New Creation Church in Brooklyn Park; and Dr. Anton Treuer, Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University.

The award celebration also featured Mohammed Bilal, a musician, a poet, and alumnus of "MTV’s Real World," who offered 12 Steps Toward Appreciating Diversity. Performers from Central Touring Theater introduced Mohammed.