Dawn Blackman: Recipient of Honors

Dawn Blackman, a member of the Champaign Church of the Brethren, was honored in two special ways recently.

First, she honored as a 2015 Purpose Prize Fellow. The award was given by Encore.org, a national nonprofit that is building a movement to tap the experience of people 60 years or older who are using their “encore years” to undertake powerful social-impact projects. Thanks to Dawn’s work with the Randolph Street Community Garden nearly 2,000 people who previously had little access to fresh fruits and vegetables receive produce from the garden. More of Dawn’s inspiring story can be found at encore.org/purpose-prize/dawn-m-blackman-sr.

In addition, Dawn was recognized in a Wall Street Journal article for her efforts with the Randolph Street Community Garden. The school district that owns the garden decided not to plow it up in return for Dawn becoming the steward of it. The garden provides fresh vegetables for local seniors and a food pantry run by the Champaign congregation. Dawn says, “The garden is the heart and soul of our neighborhood.” Why does Dawn serve as the steward? In her words, “Everyone deserves healthy food to eat, no matter how much money they make. So, I take care of a city garden where anyone can grow vegetables.” The full story can be accessed at www.wsj.com/articles/second-acts-a-garden-grows-in-champaign-1458525868.