Speakers

Atum Azzahir
President and Executive Director

Cultural Wellness Center (Minneapolis, MN)

 

A survivor of domestic violence, Atum Azzahir learned at an early age to take pride in her African-American heritage, as her parents and extended family instilled in her a sense of dignity and self respect. Her commitment to change was exemplified in her community activism. While living in Wisconsin, Ms. Azzahir became actively involved in the civil rights movement. She was also instrumental in starting a breakfast program for school children and she fought against forced busing. Upon moving to Minnesota Azzahir worked as executive director of a homeless shelter, and she also spearheaded a new school-readiness program for children of young, low-income mothers. In 1994, she launched Healthy Powderhorn and currently serves as its executive director. The goal of Powderhorn is to improve the neighborhood’s health and quality of life of people in the community. Some of the notable initiatives of the organization include: a youth tumbling team, art program, garden planting, a farmer’s market and health fair.