2017 Who’s Who in America’s Neighborhoods Award

by | Jun 1, 2017 | Awards, Who's Who in America's Neighborhoods

The Board of Directors of Neighborhoods, USA (NUSA) annually recognizes neighborhood advocates and volunteers whose work mirrors the mission of NUSA with the “Who’s Who in America’s Neighborhoods” award. Established in 2010, the award honors individual(s) who work to: (1) build and strengthen neighborhood associations; (2) encourage neighborhood involvement in the decision-making process in local governments; and (3) promote productive communications and collaborations among neighborhood associations, local governments and the public and private sectors. On Friday, May 26, NUSA honored three individuals for this special award. 

The 2017 “Who’s Who in America’s Neighborhoods” award recipients are: 

Mayor William A. Bell

Birmingham, Alabama

Mayor William Bell was recognized for his dedication to public service and his commitment to strengthening the city of Birmingham. Mayor Bell’s work and accomplishments include:

  • Bringing back the Birmingham Barons baseball team;
  • Responsible for the Birmingham Intermodal Transit Facility
  • Implemented various projects including:
    • Regions Field baseball facility
    • The Negro League Baseball Museum
    • Railroad Park
    • Birmingham Crossplex – an international multi-use sports complex
    • Uptown district including a four-star hotel with various shops and restaurants
    • Expansion of the Summit shopping center, and refurbishing various neighborhood parks and recreational centers.
  • Responsible for Birmingham being named an All-America City
  • His vision for a better school system created the Bell Capital Improvement Education Plan
  • Working to have Birmingham designated as a World Heritage Historic Site carrying the Birmingham story of resilience, reconciliation, and transformation throughout the world

Mary Dollison

Muncie, Indiana

Lifelong community member and founder of the Whitely Community Council, Mary Dollison was recognized for her unfailing passion and commitment to bettering the lives of those around her. Mary’s list of accomplishments include:

  • Former school teacher and life-long learner
  • Key role in the:
    • Creation of the Motivate our Minds program to tutor children
    • Shaffer Chapel Historic Building project
    • Re-opening of the Roy C. Buley Community Center
  • 2004 “Person of the Year Award” – Muncie Star Press
  • 2014 “Legacy Award” from the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce
  • 2016 “Women in Business Unlimited Lifetime Achievement Award”

Rondae Hill

Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha was very excited to celebrate their very own, Rondae Hill, during this year’s “Who’s Who” awards and for good reason. Known as ‘Mama Rondae’ to many because her doors are always open, she has a list of accomplishments that include:

  • Blind since the age of 28, she created a safe house in her home for the neighborhood children allowing them to have a place to:
    • Have a nice meal
    • Use the computer
    • Shower and do laundry
    • Just sit with the family and feel safe
  • Currently, President of the Prospect Village Neighborhood Association, in the past three years they have:
    • Renovated a neighborhood park
    • Planted two gardens and added four bus benches
    • Created a pocket park for the school and neighborhood
    • Held annual National Night Out block parties
  • Her personal quote “It takes a village to raise a child and a community to make a difference.”