U of M names recipient of 2007 Josie R. Johnson Human Rights and Social Justice Award

Contacts: Ami Berger, Office of Equity and Diversity, (612) 625-0498
Mark Cassutt, University News Service, (612) 624-8038

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (03/28/2007) — The University of Minnesota’s Office for Equity and Diversity has named Helen Kivnick, professor of social work, as the recipient of the 2007 Josie R. Johnson Human Rights and Social Justice Award. Kivnick is the founder and executive director of CitySongs, an urban youth choir based in St. Paul, and an advocate for the healthy development and support of at-risk populations.

The Josie R. Johnson Award honors one University of Minnesota faculty member each year whose work creates respectful and inclusive living, learning and working environments. The award is named for Josie R. Johnson, former associate vice president of the university’s Office of Multicultural and Academic Affairs and the first African American to serve on the university’s Board of Regents. The award was established in 1997 in recognition of Johnson’s lifelong contributions to human rights and social justice, including her work in the civil rights movement, years of community service and tenure at the University of Minnesota.

Kivnick, a professor at the university since 1990, is a nationally-recognized educator, researcher and community activist involving issues that impact the health and well-being of at-risk populations, especially youth and the elderly.CitySongs operates in partnership with the Hallie Q. Brown-Martin Luther King Center in St. Paul. CitySongs targets young people of color, grades 3-8, primarily from low-income, high-transient neighborhoods in St. Paul and Minneapolis, providing both students and their families with social services, education, and activities promoting cultural sensitivity, in addition to fostering musical development, activities, and performances.No fees or auditions are required for participation in CitySongs.Since its founding in 1992, the program has served more than 1300 children.

Kivnick is also an active teacher and researcher in the School of Social Work in the College of Education and Human Development. Her work is based on the principles of “vital involvement,” which holds that individuals can develop health and strength when supported by a vital and involved community. Kivnick’s work includes a vital involvement practice with senior residential and long-term care communities, which helps elderly residents develop skills and establish networks to advocate for their own well-being.

“Helen believes in doing what is right, regardless of popularity,” wrote professors James Reinardy and Jerry Cohen in their letter of nomination. Reinardy is the interim director of the university's School of Social Work, and Cohen is a professor in the department of horticultural science. “She persists in the face of opposition and setbacks, and she is willing to forgo short-term, personal gains in the service of a more widespread, long-term progress. At CitySongs, she is clearly creating justice, one child at a time.”