Spirit of Rondo Awards
The Spirit of Rondo Awards are RCODE’s annual acknowledgment of people, organizations, activities, or services that have celebrated an accomplishment deserving of community recognition.
2023-2024 Winners
2022-2023 Winners
The Spirit of Rondo Awards are RCODE’s annual acknowledgment of people, organizations, activities, or services that have celebrated an accomplishment deserving of community recognition.
2023-2024 Winners
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.