Gertrude Naeema Gilyard - 2023 Dorothy Richardson Awardee - NeighborWorks America

G. Naeema Gilyard (Atlanta, Georgia) has focused her work on The Lakes of Cedar Grove, in the City of South Fulton, nearAtlanta. This community has been threatened in recent years by heavy industrial development. She has spent countless hours leading her homeowner's association, successfully advocating for cityhood for South Fulton, serving on City Council and more.

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The Dorothy Richardson Award for Resident Leadership honors the spirit and life's work of Dorothy Mae Richardson, and her neighbors, who sparked a movement in the 1960s in the North Side of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Their leadership resulted in the establishment of the first Neighborhood Housing Services, the forerunner of today's NeighborWorks network, and a new model for resident-led, place-based community development.

As complex issues continue to face communities across the country, NeighborWorks America has renewed our commitment to comprehensive community development, and to recognize community leaders for the essential role they play in strengthening communities. This work — and award — are more important than ever.

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