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NORTH LAWNDALE — The leader of a West Side youth services organization is being honored for his contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion.
The African American Legacy Fund in partnership with the Chicago Community Trust awarded the Donald Stewart Fellowship to Claude Robinson, executive vice president for external affairs and diversity at UCAN, a nonprofit that serves over 21,000 at-risk children, youth and families.
The award commemorates the life and philanthropic legacy of Donald Stewart, who was president and CEO of the Chicago Community Trust.
The award recognizes the achievements of outstanding community leaders “for their dedication to empowering and uplifting the African American community,” Chicago Community Trust CEO Helene Gayle said.
Robinson was honored for his contributions to put equity and diversity at the forefront of UCAN’s work as a continuum of care for at-risk youth on the West Side.
“As long as I have breath in my body, the fire will continue to burn. I’m going to do everything I can to make sure the African American experience is respected and lifted,” Robinson said.
Robinson’s work impacts every level of the organization, from UCAN’s youth mentorships to job training to violence prevention programs, said UCAN Chief Program Officer Kimberly Casey.
He has also been instrumental in improving the diversity and equity in the organization’s human resource practices, recruitment and board governance, Casey said.
“He does his work whether you’re looking or not,” Casey said. “Sometimes, we have unsung heroes inside our organization that we need to continuously lift up.”
Pascal Sabino is a Report for America corps member covering Austin, North Lawndale and Garfield Park for Block Club Chicago.
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