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112-2024

Presentation

2023 Steve Lowenstein Trust Award

Placed on File

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

Document History

Agenda Council action
Time Certain
City Council
Placed on File

Contact

Michelle Rodriguez

Senior Policy Advisor, Commissioner Mingus Mapps

Jackson Pahl

Policy Advisor, Office of Commissioner Mapps

Requested Agenda Type

Time Certain

Date and Time Information

Requested Council Date
Requested Start Time
9:45 am
Time Requested
20 minutes
Confirmed Time Certain
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