Community activist, youth center receive 2025 Kenniebrew Awards
Each February, SIU Medicine hosts the Alonzo Homer Kenniebrew, MD Forum, Lecture and Conference, an annual discussion of health disparities and other factors that impact population health. It commemorates the legacy of a ground-breaking central Illinois physician.
During the 2025 Kenniebrew Lecture on Feb. 13, SIU Medicine presented awards to recognize an individual and a group who continue the challenging work that Dr. Kenniebrew modeled, promoting inclusive excellence and equitable practices.
In 2024, one of the awards was renamed to honor the forum's founder, Dr. Wesley Robinson-McNeese, SIU’s first associate dean of equity and diversity who passed away in 2023.
Honorees
The 2025 Kenniebrew Trailblazer Award was presented to Sunshine Clemons. In 2016, Clemons co-founded the Springfield chapter of Black Lives Matter. She has since served in roles at the state and local level, working publicly and behind the scenes to raise awareness of problems impacting inclusion and health. Currently, Clemons serves as a member of Sangamon County’s Massey Commission, where she has championed heightened cultural competency and training for law enforcement.
Described as a way-maker, a beacon of light and a truth teller, Clemons has built bridges between communities during these challenging times. Her efforts for equity, coupled with exemplary leadership and advocacy, make her a worthy recipient of the 2025 Trailblazer Award.
The Outlet received the 2025 McNeese Equity Award. The Springfield-based organization has been instrumental in youth development for more than 15 years. Its mission is to help males ages 8 to 22 develop the capacity and skillset to make responsible life decisions, hold spiritual and ethical values, explore their gifts and realize their dreams. They accomplish this through mentorship, meaningful relationships and community engagement.
Led by Michael Phelon, The Outlet staff and volunteers work with more than 100 youth annually. They also partner with the City of Springfield, its police department, Springfield Public School District 186 and others to extend the group’s reach and impact.
In 2022, The Outlet purchased the former St. Joseph’s Home at 3306 S. Sixth St. in Springfield. The facility is being transformed into a state-of-the-art center where young men can thrive, learn a sense of self-worth and grow. Like Dr. McNeese, The Outlet values diversity and is committed to ensuring every youth, regardless of background, has an opportunity to succeed.
The Dr. Alonzo Kenniebrew Community Forum will be held 8 - 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at the Memorial Learning Center, 228 W. Miller St. It is open to the public, as the medical district sponsors welcome dialogue to improve health equity across central Illinois.
