.jpg)
About Event
Join the Greater Boston Association of Black Social Workers (GBABSW) for an unforgettable
evening at our 2025 Sankofa Celebration and Awards Dinner, taking place on
Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Roxbury Community College.
​
This year’s event is a formal affair with Black & Gold Cocktail Attire, and will center around the theme: Moving Forward by our Collective Power:​ Black Social Workers "Past Present and Future"
​
​Rooted in the African principle of Sankofa, this celebration is our time to reflect on the past, recognize the present, and invest in the future of Black social work and community leadership.
Keynote Speaker
Segun Idouwu
Chief of Economic Opportunity & Inclusion
Segun Idowu is the City of Boston’s Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. In this role, which he has held since January 2022, he focuses on making Boston a resilient, economically equitable, and vibrant city that creates opportunities to build generational wealth for all communities.
Under his leadership, the City of Boston created a Legacy Business Program, honoring and supporting longstanding, independent enterprises that make a strong contribution to the neighborhoods of Boston. The City also implemented the SPACE Grant Program, supporting 90 businesses with expenses related to new lease agreements.
During his tenure, large companies like the LEGO Group and Eli Lilly have committed to Boston, and the City has doubled the number of contracts awarded to minority-owned businesses.
A lifelong resident of Boston, Segun is a proud product of the Boston Public Schools. Following his graduation from Boston Latin Academy, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in History at Morehouse College in Atlanta.
Segun previously served as the President and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, Inc. (BECMA), the chief advocacy organization for Black businesses across the Commonwealth. In this role, he helped transform the organization, including growing membership by 300 percent and helping to reshape the procurement process for Massachusetts.
2025 Award Honorees
Support Our Honorees
or
Promote Your Business
Your ad receives exposure in our souvenir journal, printed and distributed to all event attendees
​
Inside front cover $700.00
(8.25”w x 10.75”h, png)
​
Inside back cover $700.00
(8.25”w x 10.75”h, png)
​
Full page ad $500.00
(8.25”w x 10.75”h, png)
​
Half page ad $250.00
(8.25”w x 5.25”h, png)
​
Quarter page ad $125.00
(4.0”w x 5.25”h, png)
​
STEP 1:
​
​
STEP 2:
​
​
What is SANKOFA?
Sankofa is an African word from the Akan tribe in Ghana.
The Akan believe the past serves as a guide for planning the future; learning from the past which ensures a strong future.
"Go back and bring forward that which is useful" is also a Ghanaian proverb.
The Sankofa Awards Celebration is one of the times the Greater Boston Association of Black Social Workers, (GBABSW), takes to reflect, acknowledge and appreciate the outstanding work of Chapter member(s), community leaders and local organizations that work for the betterment of the Black community. The Greater Boston Chapter’s Sankofa Awards Celebration applauds the work of these dedicated people who demonstrate their commitment and support to “enhancing the quality of life and empowering people of African ancestry through advocacy, human and community services delivery and understanding the adverse impacts” on the communities we serve. GBABSW supports the mission of the National organization, NABSW and work to create a world in which people of African ancestry will live free from racial domination, economic exploitation and cultural oppression.
“The Principle of Sankofa is a fundamental feature of how we think, to live and to affirm our humanity. We apply it not only to honor our elders and ancestors, but also because their wisdom is wealth that our young need to survive in their early years.”
“Every elder is a manifestation of the Sankofa Principle because people value their memory as a vital source of knowledge and wisdom. The history of our people and of each of us has been at the center of the intellectual production of each successive generation.”
What to Expect
An evening of celebration with a collective of black professionals dedicating their life's work to uplifting the unity and progressive forwardness of the black community.
​
Gather with us in your formal and black tie attire, enjoy dinner and a pure night of elegance and joy.
Celebration Agenda
​
Reception & Networking:
Connect with social workers, leaders, and community members over light refreshments.
​
Opening Ceremony:
Spiritual libation, reflections on Sankofa, and a powerful dance performance.
​
Dinner Service:
Enjoy a catered dinner alongside music and conversation.
​
Keynote Address:
Hear from Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity & Inclusion for the City of Boston.
​
Special Guests & Reflections:
Featuring Professor Gary Bailey, a voice of wisdom and legacy.
​
Award Presentations:
Honoring individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the profession and community.
​
Chapter Highlights:
Learn how your support empowers scholarships, cultural events, and grassroots initiatives.
​
Whether you're a long-time GBABSW member, social work professional, student, or community supporter — this is a night to honor our past, celebrate our present, and powerfully invest in our future.
​
Proceeds from this event directly support GBABSW initiatives , our annual Kwanzaa celebration, and local community projects.
​
We can’t wait to see you there!
Award Categories & Honorees
​Chapter Member Award
The Chapter Member Award recognizes a GBABSW member, committee, or ad-hoc group
whose sustained leadership and service have advanced the mission and vision of the
organization. Honorees embody the NABSW Code of Ethics through mentorship, advocacy,
and innovation, while demonstrating lasting contributions in supervision, scholarship,
consultation, collaboration, or community engagement.
Recipient: Ayesha M. Wilson, MSW
GBABSW is proud to honor Ayesha M. Wilson with the Chapter Member Award. A
Cambridge native, Ayesha has built a distinguished career as a social worker, public servant,
and advocate for equity. She currently serves as a Cambridge City Councillor and the
Executive Director of Emerge Massachusetts, an organization committed to training women
for leadership in public office. Ayesha’s work reflects her deep commitment to justice, youth
empowerment, and authentic community engagement. She has championed policies
supporting affordable housing, educational equity, and public health while remaining
grounded in the values of social work. Her leadership extends to mentoring young
professionals and amplifying voices often excluded from decision-making spaces. Through
her fearless dedication and service, Ayesha continues to embody the NABSW Code of Ethics
and inspire GBABSW members and the broader community.​​​​​
​
Emerging Professional Award
The Emerging Professional Award recognizes a rising social work professional with less
than five years of experience who demonstrates exceptional promise, leadership, and
dedication to the values of GBABSW and the NABSW Code of Ethics. Honorees are
committed to advocating for the well-being of Black children, families, and communities,
and embody the core qualities of impactful social workers—empathy, cultural competence,
integrity, and vision.
Recipient: Rachel Cooper, MSW
Rachel Cooper is a dedicated and compassionate social worker with a profound
commitment to social justice and working with marginalized communities. An Army
Veteran with a mission of giving back to those who served their country, Rachel has worked
with veterans at VA hospitals across Boston, New Hampshire, and Vermont. She has also
advocated for students through the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, where
she championed equitable access to education. Rachel recently completed a fellowship in C-
DBT at the University of Chicago, further enhancing her clinical expertise. She currently
serves as a Postpartum Social Worker at Ascension Hospital in Illinois, where she supports
new mothers and families with compassion and cultural sensitivity. Since graduating from
the Boston College School of Social Work in 2018, Rachel has consistently demonstrated
leadership, empathy, and innovation. Within GBABSW, she has been a proud member since
2023 and serves as Chair of the Community Affairs Committee, where she has led voter
registration efforts, coordinated Juneteenth celebrations, and expanded the Chapter’s
community presence. She also manages the Chapter’s LinkedIn page, elevating its visibility
and outreach. Rachel’s authenticity, service, and professional promise embody the future of
Black social work leadership and the mission of GBABSW.
​​​​​​​
​Community Service Award
The Community Service Award honors an individual, program, organization, or agency with
at least five years of distinguished service dedicated to improving the health and welfare of
the Black community. Recipients embody the NABSW Code of Ethics, demonstrating visible
advocacy, responsiveness to community needs, and a deep commitment to healing, equity,
and empowerment.
Recipient: Donald M. Osgood, Sr.
GBABSW proudly honors Donald M. Osgood, Sr. with the Community Service Award. Donald
has spent decades building bridges of healing, resilience, and empowerment across Boston
and beyond. As Program Director of the Community Healing Response Network under the
Boston Public Health Commission, he leads a vital citywide initiative uniting community
organizations, health centers, and hospitals to provide trauma response and long-term
healing support for families impacted by violence. Donald’s work is informed by his deep
expertise in youth mentoring, conflict resolution, and violence prevention, areas where he
has created pathways of hope for countless young people and families. His leadership
extends to the national stage, where he serves as Chair of the Policy Committee at the
American Public Health Association, advocating for human rights reforms and survivor
support. He is also an ordained minister, a co-author of 'The Elephant in the Room: Person
Without Bars,' and a respected Comprehensive Victim Intervention Specialist. Donald
embodies the true meaning of servant leadership—his compassion, advocacy, and tireless
dedication reflect the NABSW Code of Ethics and continue to uplift communities through
justice, healing, and empowerment.​​​
​
Unsung Hero Award
The Unsung Hero Award recognizes individuals whose tireless work—often behind the
scenes—has made a lasting impact on the well-being of the Black community. These
honorees embody the NABSW Code of Ethics through advocacy, service, and humility,
consistently uplifting underserved populations, addressing pressing social needs, and
creating spaces of empowerment and belonging.
Recipient: Andrea Herbert Major
GBABSW is proud to honor Mrs. Andrea Herbert Major with the Unsung Hero Award. For
more than four decades, Andrea has dedicated her life to uplifting Black and Brown children
through the transformative power of the arts. As founder and director of the Roxbury
Center for the Performing Arts, she has built a sanctuary where young people can thrive,
explore their creativity, and find pride in their cultural identity. Her studio has nurtured
generations of dancers, many of whom have gone on to professional careers and leadership
roles in the arts, while others have carried her lessons of discipline, confidence, and self-
expression into every aspect of their lives. Andrea’s leadership is marked not only by her
artistic vision but also by her unwavering commitment to families, offering a safe and
supportive environment for growth. Through love, music, and movement, she has embodied
the values of humility, cultural pride, and resilience. Her life’s work is a testament to the
profound impact of unsung heroes whose quiet yet powerful contributions leave a lasting
legacy of empowerment and hope.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​