Rondo Achievement awards
The Rondo Achievement Awards are RCODE’s annual acknowledgment of people, organizations, activities, or services that have celebrated an accomplishment deserving of community recognition.
2024-2025 Winners
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St. Paul Fire Captain Brittney Baker
Outstanding Public Accomplishment
A lifetime resident of St. Paul and a “Rondo baby”, Capt. Baker is St. Paul Fire Department’s first African American female fire captain. Throughout her time as a firefighter, and now a captain, Baker has exemplified the Rondo values of education and community service. She teaches classes at the St. Paul Fire Department EMS Academy, Century College, and the Department of Transportation, and is a proud leader of a local Girl Scout troop.
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Walker West Music Academy
Outstanding Music Education & Community Service
Founded in 1988 with one rented piano in the upstairs of a Selby Ave. duplex, Walker|West has grown to make a difference in the lives of thousands of students. The Academy teaches all styles of music, with a notable focus on jazz, gospel, and blues. St. Paul Mayors Chris Coleman and Melvin Carter were both students, and the academy’s jazz ensembles are the only youth ensembles to perform on the main stage at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival.
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Rev. Carl Walker and Grant West
Distinguished Leadership & Community Service
As the founders of Walker West Music Academy, Rev. Walker and Mr. West have demonstrated a deep commitment to expanding opportunities for Rondolites. A musician, teacher, and retired minister, Carl Walker is the co-founder of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, and was instrumental in bringing gospel music to the Twin Cities in the late 1950s. Grant West grew up in Cheyenne, WY, where he played piano and joined multi-instrumental bands from a young age. He continues to teach and inspire students at the Academy.
2023-2024 Winners
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Mercedes Yarbrough, Rondo Comic Book
Arts and Business Innovation
Mercedes Yarbrough aka Miss Mercedez, #YoKidzFavoriteTeacher, is the author of Rondo: The Comic Book, wherein a teacher uses her time machine watch to travel back in time to teach her class about the Historic Rondo neighborhood, including the impact of I-94.
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Ramsey County Historical Society, Coverage of Rondo
Business Innovation
The Ramsey County History Magazine has developed comprehensive coverage of the culture, events, people, organizations, and values of the African American community of Rondo.
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1973 Graduates of Macalester College EEO Program
Business Innovation
More than 70% of the 1973 EEO graduates went on to earn postgraduate degrees. One alum, Sharon Sayles Belton, went on to become the first and only African American mayor of the City of Minneapolis.
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Dr. Marvin Dunn, Jr.
Outstanding Achievement Award for Leadership and Community Service
Dr. Marvin Dunn, Jr. is a psychologist, historian, and professor at Florida State International University. One of the most forceful voices on race relations in the United States, Dr. Dunn’s works include The History of Florida: Through Black Eyes and Black Miami in the Twentieth Century.
2022-2023 Winners
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Tameka Jones, "Rondo" Matte Lipstick
Business Innovation
Tameka Jones, a native of Rondo, is a business woman, mentor, activist and founder of “Lip Esteem Cosmetics“ with her storefront rooted in the Rondo Community. One of her best sellers is “Rondo”, a a deep shade of matte lipstick that looks good on everyone.
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Jonathan Palmer & Hallie Q. Brown “Rondo-opoly Board Game”
Business Innovation
Jonathan Palmer is the Executive Director of Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, a cornerstone of the Rondo Community. Rondo-opoly is a product of Jonathan and his staff, made to teach the history, culture and values of Rondo.
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Dr. Artika Tyner, author of “Joey and Grandpa Johnson’s Day in Rondo”
Business Innovation
Dr. Artika Tyner is a professor, author, advocate for justice, and author of the children’s book, “Joey and Grandpa Johnson’s Day in Rondo”, about a boy visiting his grandpa who shares the rich cultural heritage and value of entrepreneurship in Rondo.
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Ericka Dennis, author of “ Mr. Rondo’s Spirit”
Business Innovation
Ericka Dennis is an author, artist and resident of Rondo. Her book, “Mr Rondo’s Spirit” , features Paul Rondo, a Pullman Porter who lives and thrives in Rondo, finding a way to maintain the legacy of Rondo despite the intrusive freeway.
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Iris Logan, Mosaic Sculptures
Community Beautification
Iris Logan is a self taught mosaic artist, gardener, and community beautifier. Her creations can be found throughout the Midway and Rondo neighborhoods and serve to enhance the aesthetics of Rondo. Currently, RCODE is proud to have several of her sculptures on display.
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Todd Axtell, Chief of Saint Paul Police Department, Ret.
Community and Civic Service
Recently retired St. Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell brought his wealth of experience, strong community relationships and respect of the Rondo community throughout his 33 year career.
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Toni Carter
Community and Civic Service
Toni Carter is a long term Ramsey County Commissioner, District 4, serving since 2005. Committed to eliminating disparities in county services and systems, raising grass roots awareness of local political processes, Toni is the first African American to serve on a county board in Minnesota.
