Shabazz to be honored by UnityFirst.com

Amilcar Shabazz, professor of Afro-American Studies and faculty advisor to the chancellor for diversity and excellence, has been chosen by Springfield-based UnityFirst.com to receive its Common Ground award for “leadership, excellence and role model example for generations to come.”

 

Shabazz will receive the award on June 22 as UnityFirst.com, a communications consulting group that specializes in the online distribution of diversity-related e-news, holds its 2013 Common Ground Leadership Awards and Resource Reception at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. The program begins at 10:30 a.m.

 

The event will honor people and organizations from all walks of life who are inclusive leaders and role model examples of excellence for corporations, communities and the next generation, according to Janine Fondon, president and CEO of UnityFirst.com. The resource reception will offer opportunities to network with professionals in varied industries, learn about certified diverse businesses, consider educational/career opportunities, shop with vendors, review multicultural resources and meet varied authors, she said.

 

“This city, Commonwealth and country will be better off because of the leadership demonstrated by the Common Ground awardees – and with this recognition, we will include them as part of New England’s inclusive history,” said Fondon.

 

In a letter to Shabazz, Fondon wrote, “You will be saluted along with other local and regional legacy leaders who are achievers at various levels and stages of their careers and across a variety of disciplines. Your story and example will inspire families, professionals and also seasoned executives and business owners to keep their ‘eyes on the prize’ of diversity, leadership, excellence and success. Overall, this inter-generational event is designed to educate, encourage and motivate.”

 

“Future success in the city of Springfield, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the U.S. will be defined by the new common ground we collectively establish through innovative collaborations and inclusive relationships, seeking to inspire a new engagement that will dispel institutional inequities and bridge the many widening disparities and gaps,” Fondon added. “The awardees, who are chosen by UnityFirst.com based on demonstrated leadership and/or submissions by community members, are local legacy leaders who are achievers at various levels and stages of their careers and disciplines.”