The Springfield Museums’ African Hall Committee virtually presented the Ubora Award for leadership in the African American community and the Ahadi Youth Award to an African American youth demonstrating excellence in academics and community service.
The 30th annual Ubora Award was presented to Robert “Cee” Jackson for his years of philanthropy and humanitarianism, and the 12th annual Ahadi Youth Award went to high school junior Tigist Dawit Terefe.
Named using the Swahili word for “promise,” the Ahadi Youth Ward now comes with a $500 monetary prize
by an anonymous benefactor.
Terefe is a junior at the High School of Science and Technology, and through dual enrollment she is also receiving college credits from Springfield Technical Community College. At night she attends the Putnam Vocational Technical Academy, where she is studying to receive her certification as a nursing assistant. All the while she has maintained her standing as first in her class.
She said the award came at the time when she was doubting herself after several failed applications to programs she felt she needed. However, just as she said she was ready to settle for what she called “mediocrity,” she was named an Ahadi Award recipient.
“This was the very thing that prevented me from settling and made me realize that there are people who recognize my efforts,” she said. “It helped me change my mindset and I continued to try. A few months later I received the Fulbright scholarship. I want you to know this award was a turning point for me.”
Terefe will attend the California Institute of Technology.
Jackson is a Springfield businessman who has used his position to aid members of the African American community. He is vice president of the Brethren Community Foundation, a philanthropic organization. He has worked with youth organizations to stage celebrations such as Juneteenth. He sits on the boards of the Urban League of Springfield and Springfield Partners for Community Action and is an active member of the Masonic Order.
In years past, Jackson joined his close friend, former state Rep. Raymond Jordan Jr., who passed away on Feb. 5, in creating the 5A Football program, now called Springfield Youth Athletics. He volunteers with the Old Hill Neighborhood Council.
Jackson called out Jordan for teaching him to be the type of person recognized by the committee.
“I accept this award in his name. He will always be in my heart,” Jackson said, choking up as he did. “When you love someone, and you lose them physically. I call him my hero. During the ceremony, a lot was said about what he did, but I can’t tell you all the things he did for me.”
Jackson also thanked the Springfield Museums African Hall Committee and museum president Kay Simpson.
“I want to thank you for continuing this program for the last 30 years promoting and instilling in people the desire to help others,” he said.
