Fargo Human Rights Commission

2020 MLK Award Recipients

Individual Youth - Zamzam Abdi

Zamzam Abdi is a student at North Dakota State University who believes in creating an environment where young Somalis students can celebrate their heritage and culture. To provide her peers with a place where they could feel valued and heard, she founded the NDSU’s Somali Student Association. In addition to studying finance, Zamzam volunteers at the Somali Community Development of North Dakota and provides free cleaning services to the local mosque. She selflessly serves others, providing translation, transportation, and other services needed by her new American neighbors.

Individual Adult - Lenard Wells

Lenard Wells, housing director for the F5 Project, is an advocate for felons who seek a new life outside of confinement. In particular, he has a heart for helping African American men secure housing, food and work. Lenard knows what it’s like to hustle and overcome great odds. He was acquitted of attempted murder, and now reaches out to those facing similar challenges. He regularly shares his story to help others imagine how they can break the cycle of crime and build their families and communities.

Business / Nonprofit Organization - Legacy Children's Foundation

Legacy Children’s Foundation taps the power of relationships and community as it equips vulnerable teens with the skills and encouragement they need to succeed academically and socially .The nonprofit supports several neighborhood-based, afterschool centers where Fargo and West Fargo students meet with mentors. Students, most of whom are new Americans or low-income, also organize community service projects each month. In the past, students have sewn hats for the homeless, started a food pantry, and visited with residents at a nearby memory care unit.