2023 Steve Lowenstein Trust Award
DATE: Wednesday, February 7, 2024; Time Certain Agenda 10:30 AM
TO: Portland City Council
FROM: Commissioner Mingus Mapps
CC: City Council Clerk
SUBJECT: The 2023 Lowenstein Trust Award Presentation
Presenters: Joe Hertzberg, Chair, The Lowenstein Trust
Michelle M. Harper, Past Chair, The Lowenstein Trust
This is the 32nd Annual Steve Lowenstein Trust Award being presented.
The Steve Lowenstein Trust Award was created to honor individuals who make an exemplary personal sacrifice and commitment to make a significant difference in improving the quality of life for the most distressed and vulnerable populations in the City of Portland.
The Lowenstein Trust is proud to announce its 32nd annual award to Dr. S. Renee Mitchell for her immeasurable and positive work to instill hope, courage, and healing for Portland’s African American community, and beyond.
For decades, Dr. Mitchell has worked as a journalist, author, poet, playwright, and educator. Having survived a lifetime of trauma, Dr. Mitchell channels her experiences to benefit others, identifying creative opportunities and creating effective programs to help heal and inspire them.
In 2018, Dr. Mitchell created the Soul Restoration Center to help low-income youth of color channel their creativity, find their voice, and clarify their purpose. Participants experience what it feels like to be authentically cared for, fully seen, and centered. Having lived through domestic violence and childhood bullying herself, Dr. Mitchell understands how to reach and help heal other survivors of domestic violence. A talented writer, Dr. Mitchell is often invited to read her empowering and heart-centered poetry at community events.
The Lowenstein Trust is part of the legacy of Steve Lowenstein, a model of public service who worked at local, state, and national levels. Steve’s sense of purpose, integrity, and perseverance continues to inspire many who work to advance human rights and social justice today. Before he died in 1990, Steve’s created an annual award to recognize and financially assist an individual whose personal commitment serve the poor and underprivileged in the City of Portland. For more information about the Lowenstein Trust, please visit our website: https://lowensteintrust.org/
List of prior recipients see Exhibit A