Living Legend Award to be honored at City of Bloomington’s 12th Annual Black History Month Gala

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2017

For more information, please contact:

Rafi Khalid Hasan II, Director of Safe and Civil City Program, 812-349-3559, hasanr@bloomington.in.gov

Living Legend Award to be honored at City of Bloomington's 12th Annual Black History Month Gala

Bloomington, Ind. - The City of Bloomington's 12th Annual Black History Month Gala will take place on Saturday, February 25, at the Hilton Garden Inn, 245 N. College Avenue. A reception and silent auction will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the program to follow at 7:00 p.m. Live entertainment will be provided by Ground Zero Band Indy.

A highlight of the Black History Month Gala is the presentation of the Black History Month Living Legend Award. The 2017 Living Legend Award recipient is Doris J. Sims. Donald and Nicole Griffin of Griffin Realty, sponsors of the award, described Ms. Sims as a leader in every aspect of her life and a leader who keeps everyone in mind. "Doris genuinely cares and works to make a difference at home, at work, at church, as a volunteer and in the community. She works tirelessly to improve the lives of others and to make the city of Bloomington a better place for all citizens. Sims' leadership, service, integrity, compassion, humility, mentorship and encouragement of others are what make her a Living Legend."

"Doris Sims is a leader who has chosen to make her life about service. Bloomington is a better place to live thanks to her efforts, so it's great to see her receive this well-deserved award," commented Mayor John Hamilton.

Sims is an alumna of Indiana University's School of Public and Environmental Affairs and Groups Program. She is the 2009 recipient of the Sassafras Award for Distinguished Alumni in Community Service. She also serves on the IU Credit Union Board of Directors. Sims has held former board positions with the Bloomington Housing Authority, Sheriff's Merit Board and Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky, as well as numerous social service agencies.

The Living Legend Award was created to publicly acknowledge, honor and celebrate the accomplishments of African-Americans in Bloomington who have devoted their time, talents and resources to make a difference in the Bloomington community and beyond.

The Commission on the Status of Black Males will also present the 2017 Outstanding Black Male Leader of Tomorrow Award during the evening's celebration.

Tickets for the Gala are available at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater Box Office, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave., or online at bctboxoffice.org.

The City of Bloomington Black History Month~Bloomington Style programs are underwritten by the City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department, City of Bloomington Office of the Mayor, Indiana University Office of the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs, Lumina Foundation, The Media School at Indiana University, Ivy Tech Community College, Monroe County Branch NAACP, Dr. K. Luke Eades, DDS, Old National Bank, and the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art. Program sponsors include Indiana University Credit Union, Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons, Stone City Lodge #54 and Griffin Realty.

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