Collaborative Project: Recognizes an original project in the performing, visual or multi-disciplinary arts illustrating the power of collaboration to advance and support arts and culture in the community.
Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza – Towanda Mullins
Towanda Mullins is a visionary leader who believes in looking beyond challenges to create meaningful, lasting change. She is a driving force behind grassroots initiatives that foster advocacy, leadership, and tangible community impact. Her work is rooted in education, economic development, and cultural collaboration, empowering individuals and organizations to build stronger, more vibrant communities.
A firm believer in the power of community-driven initiatives, Towanda has led individuals and groups at the local level to address pressing societal needs. Through her leadership, she has expanded access to education, promoted sustainable development, championed social justice, and fostered cultural exchanges. Her commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and active participation has strengthened communities in profound ways.
Towanda’s dedication to service extends to her fellow veterans. She co-founded and co-chaired the Veterans Business Resource Group at Signet Jewelers and launched an annual donation drive supporting veterans experiencing homelessness. Under her leadership, this initiative has grown into the largest donation drive in the community, providing monetary grants and essential resources to veterans and their families.
Her belief in preserving history and uplifting legacies led her to spearhead the Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza. Partnering with renowned artist Woodrow Nash creator of the statue, Dion Harris creator of the plaza, and a coalition of local and national organizations—including Summit County Executive Shapiro’s office, United Way of Summit & Medina, City of Akron, the Akron Community Foundation, and the John S. Knight Foundation—the committee brought this vision to life. Unveiled on May 29, 2024, the Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza is the largest public art installation dedicated to Sojourner Truth in the United States and the most significant public art space honoring a Black woman. The Sojourner Truth Education committee continues this legacy through the Sojourner Truth Legacy Education Fund, which has already awarded $10,000 in scholarships in partnership with the Akron Press Club, with plans to expand its impact annually.
As President of the Akron Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Towanda leads a public service organization that has awarded over $450,000 in scholarships to students pursuing higher education. Her commitment to mentorship extends to the University of Akron, where she serves as President of the Black Leadership Alumni Council (BLAC) and as the Primary Advisor to the undergraduate Zeta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Under her guidance, Zeta Alpha broke records, earning 11 NPHC awards in 2024 and five more in 2025 for their outstanding public service.
She also serves on the Signet Love Inspires (SLI) Foundation’s grant review committee, ensuring financial resources reach underserved women and children. Additionally, she founded the United Baptist Church Community Scholarship Ministry, which has awarded tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships over the past decade to deserving students.
Towanda’s mission is unwavering: she does not seek validation—she simply serves. Rooted in faith and inspired by the ancestors, grandmothers who didn’t obtain the recognition they deserved, mother(s) and women who came before her, she embodies a legacy of leadership, service, and transformation.
Her motto: It’s in my DNA—Don’t Need Approval Just SERVE
