Community

With an ongoing pandemic looming in the background and the need to bridge deep divides around racial and social injustices, this Black History Month provides an important and timely platform to celebrate the contributions of Black Americans to their communities and our nation. AARP is highlighting a number of people who are building up their communities around the nation, including three from Minnesota:

"Quick action" innovative projects aimed to inspire change and create better places to live for residents of all ages

AARP Minnesota 2021 Andrus Award Recipient: Mohammed Mehdi

Black History Month presents a unique opportunity to celebrate the achievements, culture and history of the African American and Black community in February. AARP encourages everyone to celebrate Black History Month by participating in activities that teach us about the resilience and power of the black community and help us gain a better appreciation of the culture.

The Federal Bureau of Investigations’ Minneapolis Field Office has announced that Jay Haapala, Associate State Director of Community Engagement for AARP Minnesota, is the recipient of the 2020 Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA).

AARP MN Recognizes Myrna Peterson for her Dedication and Commitment to Community Service with its Most Prestigious Volunteer Award

AARP MN is proud to honor Hennepin County Commissioner, Angela Conley, during Black History Month. Her dedication and work on issues of livability, housing, equity and inclusion, community services, and civic engagement shows her commitment to a better quality of life in the South Minneapolis community. Conley has spoken at Sabathani and Nokomis AARP Healthy Aging events to join our elders and speak on her work on their behalf.

LaVerne Gilliam, from Shakopee, MN, has been selected to receive the 2020 AARP Minnesota Andrus Award for Community Service, the association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service. AARP Minnesota selected Gilliam for her tireless volunteer work with multiple organizations in the community, including AARP, Second Harvest Heartland, the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging, Maplewood Nature Center, Minnesota Wildlife Refuge, and Bike MN.

Check out the new AARP sponsored outdoor fitness park organized by FitLot at the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center.

An Age-Friendly Community includes safe, walkable streets; housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents to participate in community life. In November, more than 500 people attended our virtual conference focused on Building Great Places for People of All Ages. Learn more about Age-Friendly Communities in action and what tools and resources are available to create change where you live. If you were unable to participate you can still access the recordings using these links: