The African American Legacy Award is presented annually by The History Museum to celebrate the immeasurable contributions of African Americans in the St. Joseph River Valley, to honor the legacies and achievements of past generations, to shine a light on those in the present, and to influence efforts that will impact the future. To nominate someone for the African American Legacy Award, click here.
♦Must be, or have been, a resident of the St. Joseph River Valley for at least 10 years.
οThe St. Joseph River Valley is considered by the museum to be nine (9) counties in Indiana: LaPorte, St. Joseph, Elkhart, Lagrange, Stark, Marshall, Kosciusko, Pulaski, and Fulton, and three (3) counties in Michigan: Berrien, Cass, and St. Joseph.
♦Must not have previously received the award.
♦Has demonstrated leadership and creativity in promoting African American history.
♦Has increased understanding of and appreciation for the heritage of African Americans.
♦Has had significant impact on the local community promoting African American history.
♦Has recognized efforts that are exceptional or have gone above and beyond their job.
Nominations can be made by an individual or organization on the approved, fillable application form available by clicking here
Nominations can also be made by printing and completing an application form by clicking the buttons below and mailing it to:
African American Legacy Award Committee
The History Museum
808 West Washington Street
South Bend, IN 46601
The deadline to make a nomination for the 2024 African American Legacy Award is March 15, 2024.
The 2024 African American Legacy Award will be presented at a special luncheon on June 11, 2024.
Luncheon to recognize African American Legacy Award recipient. The History Museum will annually recognize individuals who have been instrumental in collecting, preserving and disseminating African American history in the St. Joseph River Valley.
Purchase your ticket or sponsor the luncheon by clicking the button below.
1991
Helen Pope
John Charles Bryant
1992
Theresa Ashe
Virginia Calvin
Kathryn Jeffries
1993
Elizabeth Fletcher Allen
Eugenia Braboy
1994
Dale O. Grayson
Jesse L. Dickinson
1995
Dr. John W. Skinner
Dr. B.W. Streets
Dr. S. Bernard Vagner
Dr. Milton A. Butts
1996
Etta Boswell Bowen
Dr. Roland Chamblee
Ida Mitchum
1997
Louvenia Cain
Rev. L. James Perry
1998
Wilma Gary
1999
Carl Ellison
Ladies of Distinction
Michael Warren
2000
Josephine H. Curtis
Hollis Hughes, Jr.
Ben Johnson
Our Day Together Club
St. Pierre Ruffin Club
2001
Farrow Powell Family
Sondra Mose Ursery
2002
Lester C. Lamon
Unsung Heroes and Heroines
of the Local Civil Rights Movement
2003
American Negro Girls
Softball League and “Uncle Bill’s”
All Colored Girls Softball Team
Coquese Washington
2004
Mary Frances Grayson-Jackson
Rev. Gerald L. Hayden
Elmer S. Joseph
Charles E. Thompson
2005
Chester Allen
Zilford Carter
Jesse Dickinson
Valjean Dickinson
Bernard Luther White, Jr.
Cleo Washington
2017
Marvin V. Curtis Ed.D.
2018
Civil Rights Heritage Center
2019
Jacquelyn Rucker
2023
Verge “Brother Sage” Gillam
