For persons who give exemplary service to their communities, Mrs. Russell was presented with a Citation by the City Council of New York City for being an outstanding citizen for her service to her community.
Earnestine Russell is Named a Volvo For Life Hero, Wins Grand Prize
Earnestine Russell was named “America’s Greatest Hometown Hero” at the second annual Volvo for Life awards ceremony in Time Square on April 7, 2004. The ceremony capped off the largest-ever national search for and celebration of everyday heroes. More than 3,000 hometown heroes were nominated for the award between September 2003 and Valentine’s Day 2004. Volvo selected 100 semi-finalists and narrowed the field to the top three finalists in each of three categories: safety, quality of life and environment. A panel of eight judges—Hank Aaron, Bill Bradley, Caroline Kennedy, Maya Lin, Paul Newman, Dr. Sally Ride, Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Robert Young (the 2003 grand prize award winner)—reviewed the finalists and selected a winner in each of the three categories.
Not only was Earnestine the winner in the quality of life category for her work founding and running BYC, she was the competition’s grand prize winner, securing her a new Volvo every three years for as long as she can legally drive a car! More importantly, as the winner in the quality of life category, BYC received a $50,000 donation from Volvo, a documentary highlighting Earnestine’s work with BYC and a vast amount of press that has generated additional interest in the program. Since the announcement of her award, Earnestine has appeared as a guest on a number of national and local television and radio programs, promoting BYC and the needs of the children of the Northeast Bronx.
Earnestine was nominated for the award by BYC grant consultant, Suzanne Daycock, who says that she originally nominated her simply to let her know what she thought of her work. Suzanne says that she was thrilled to learn that Earnestine had actually won the contest!
To read about Earnestine and review the documentary produced by Volvo, visit www.volvoforlifeaward.com. Developed by Volvo Cars of North America, the Volvo for Life Awards is a national public service program that seeks out and celebrates ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
Earnestine Russell, Executive Director
“Our children are working hard to gain a foothold in school and in life. In a neighborhood where nearly two out of every three families live below the poverty level, life’s challenges make it hard to come to school ready to learn. With extra help and more opportunities to grow, their prospects can be totally turned around. That is our job. That is our mission. That is why we are here.”
Earnestine Russell
7th Annual Harriet Tubman Humanitarian Achievement Award
On March 8, 2008, Earnestine Russell was presented with this award for her championing and service to the poor, the powerless and the persecuted. Her work is truly extraordinary and her contribution to humanity immeasurable. With all respect and admiration, the Harriet Tubman Humanitarian Achievement Award was presented by the Wilborn Temple First Church of God in Christ at Albany, New York.
Standing on the Shoulders - A Celebration of the Wisdom of Women
The Bronx Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. presented Earnestine Russell with an award "Standing On Their Shoulders - A Celebration of the Wisdom of Women" ceremony held on March 3, 2007.
Columbia University Graduate School of Business
Earnestine Russell has attended and successfully completed The Institute for Non-For-Profit Management Executive Level Program graduating in the Class of 2008.
Joseph Kusher Hebrew Academy
Ms. Russell has successfully completed the New Director Orientation at this academy in Livingston New Jersey on May 7, 2008.
