St. Paul & Minnesota Foundation honors four anti-racism advocates for their work

The foundation's Facing Race Award to recognize Minnesotans battling racism is in its 17th year.

October 6, 2023 at 7:01PM
Asha Shoffner, Rayona Kardell, Trahern Crews and Rose McGee (from top left, clockwise) are winners of the 2023 Facing Race Awards. (Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Four Minnesota anti-racism advocates will be honored for their work making a difference in communities across the state and nation.

The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation announced this week the recipients of its annual Facing Race Awards, now in its 17th year. The four winners, each of whom will receive a $7,500 grant for a nonprofit of their choice, are:

— Trahern Crews, co-founder and lead organizer of Black Lives Matter Minnesota;

— Rayona Kardell, one of two client advocates at Breaking Free, a St. Paul-based nonprofit that helps those who have experienced sex trafficking or sexual exploitation;

— Rose McGee, a Golden Valley activist who started Sweet Potato Comfort Pie, offering hope and healing after traumatic events;

— Asha Shoffner, who leads St. Paul Parks and Recreation's outdoor and environmental education work.

The four, who were selected by a panel of past award recipients, will be honored at a celebration livestreamed at 5 p.m. Thursday at FacingRace.org.

about the writer

about the writer

Kelly Smith

Reporter

Kelly Smith covers nonprofits/philanthropy for the Minnesota Star Tribune and is based in Minneapolis. Since 2010, she's covered Greater Minnesota on the state/region team, Hennepin County government, west metro suburban government and west metro K-12 education.

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