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Lifetime Achievement Award Winners 2025

World Arts Foundation, Inc.

Updated: 7 days ago



World Arts Foundation, Inc. proudly announces our incredible cohort of Lifetime Achievement Award recipients for our January 20th, 2025 Keep Alive the Dream program.


The Lifetime Achievement Awardees being honored this year represent a remarkable range of leaders committed to community empowerment, social justice, and transformative change across various sectors. Together, these honorees exemplify dedication to advocacy, leadership, and social change, leaving a lasting legacy of positive impact across their respective fields and communities.


 

Headshot of Johnell Bell
Johnell Bell

Johnell Bell is chief executive officer of Espousal Strategies LLC, a boutique government, community, and public affairs firm. Through his extensive work in the office of U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and his tenure helping lead public entities, he has developed a reputation as a thoughtful, creative strategist and balanced, passionate leader who understands the needs of diverse stakeholders.


Prior to founding Espousal, Johnell served as State Field Director for Senator Merkley where he led the senator’s forward-facing outreach and state field operations. Johnell also served as Director of Diversity and Transit Equity for TriMet where he served as the agency’s Chief Diversity Officer overseeing small business, equity and civil rights. His efforts received national recognition, and he helped to set Oregon’s record of awarding over $150 million to DBE firms during the construction of the Orange line.


Recognizing a critical lack of representation in the industry, Johnell founded Espousal Strategies LLC in 2019. As an equity-centered community, government, and public affairs consultancy focused on collaborative problem solving. Espousal Strategies works with public and private sector organizations to navigate their communities’ most pressing problems with innovative, equitable solutions.


His previous experience includes roles as the former State Field Director for U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Director of Diversity and Transit Equity for TriMet, the Portland area’s transit agency. 


A sought-after speaker on public engagement, business development and transit and environmental equity, Johnell’s presented and served on panels for national transportation conferences and organizations, and bodies, and agencies.


Johnell also served as an advisor to Portland Mayor Tom Potter and Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler. In those roles, Johnell created an economic development office and co-created an office of diversity and inclusion.


 

Close up photo of Sharon Gary-Smith
Sharon Gary-Smith racial & social justice activist, community builder and ‘philanthropy ‘imagineer’

Sharon Gary-Smith is an Oregonian by birth, a second-generation racial and social justice activist and proud agitator. She is the eldest of the four daughters of the late Bobbi Lou Mosley Gary, senior rights, education equity and Black community activist, and the late Frederick Douglas Gary, Jr, a Tuskegee man, a public education and voting rights advocate.  Their four Gary Girls were taught “never forget who you are and whose you are,” and “to those whom much is given, much is expected.”


Her career concentrations have focused on nonprofit leadership, Black women’s health advocacy and leadership, and racial and social justice philanthropy for more than four decades in Oregon, Washington, Atlanta, GA., Barbados, West Indies, Austin, Texas, and Washington, D.C., and reflects her family’s lessons and legacy. 


CAREER HIGHLIGHTS 

  • One of the youngest Black women nationally to lead a local multi-million-dollar anti-poverty agency in the early 1970’s, heading up the closeout of (PMSC), the Portland Metropolitan Steering Committee’s 30 programs, including spinoffs of Meals on Wheels, senior service centers, youth after school programs, and Foster Grandparents.

  • First Black female director of the, Carolyn Downs Community Clinic, Seattle. Created  waiting room education programs for pregnant teens and their partners that earned commendation from the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

  • Selected as the first national programs director of the National Black Women’s Health Project, Atlanta, responsible for the design and implementation of Black women’s self-help groups promoting personal and family health, building community health advocacy and health reform leadership.  Organized self-help groups in 48 states, and the District of Columbia, and internationally in Barbados, West Indies, West Africa and London, England.

  • Selected as Visiting Professor, Extra-Mural Programs at the University of the West Indies, (Barbados, West Indies). Taught women’s health advocacy, health policy and grassroots organizing and movement building.

  • Selected as the Vice President of Government Relations and Fund Development, Austin Area Urban League, Austin, TX., and appointed a Special Policy Advisor to the late Ann Richards, Governor of Texas.

  • First Black female Oregonian to head a philanthropic organization, McKenzie River Gathering Foundation, Oregon’s racial and social justice funder (2011).  Only Black woman heading a foundation in the Pacific Northwest, Northern Rockies, and California.

  • During a 5-1/2 years tenure, donor engagement and grassroots support increased twofold.  Board of directors was diversified and more representative of the foundation’s rural and urban constituencies.  Board governance, community engagement, friend raising and fundraising were strengthened.  Hosted consecutive sellouts of Justice within Reach, MRG’s signature annual gala.  Increased attendance nearly three-fold from 200 to nearly 500, and the diversity of grassroots, community nonprofits, business and corporate and foundation attendees. 

  • MRG became the first foundation to be awarded the City of Portland Human Rights Commission’s Leadership Award

  • MRG Foundation awarded the Oregon Foundation of the Year Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals

  • Elected president of the Portland NAACP 1120-b branch in November 2020.  Led the newly elected leadership team in building an elevated community presence, restoring trust, increasing membership involvement, advocating clear and progressive positions on housing, economics, health reform, police accountability, and women’s leadership. Built young and elder leadership team. Focused Portland branch’s operating practices on accountability, transparency and fiscal integrity.  Raised $250,000 in foundation funding during a two-year tenure.


 SELECTED AWARDS AND COMMENDATIONS 

  • Ten Changemakers Award from Mac Prichard, founder Mac’s List

  • Royal Rosarians Eight Oregon Newsmakers of the Year Award

  • Emily G. Gottfried Lifetime Achievement Award, City of Portland Human Rights Commission, 2015

  • First Dual Winner, Oregon Women’s Commission Woman of Achievement Award, 1995 & 2019

  • Taste of Equity Impact Award, 2022

  • Willamette Valley Development Officers (WVDO) Foundation of the Year Award, 2015,

  • PassinArt Theater Company, Legacy Award, 2024

  • Mini documentary, Sharon Gary-Smith, Elder Anthology: Dear Young Black Portland, Love Letter from an OG, November 2024


 

Photo of Hermann Colas Jr. in front of a cityscape
Hermann Colas Jr.

Hermann Colas Jr. is a proud family man; a husband, father, and grandfather whose story began in 1948 in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. He understood how to lead at a young age, being the eldest son of eight children. His ambition led to soaring heights in education at Portland State University as a double major in computer science and mathematics, preceded by his service in the U.S. Army for six years.


Hermann is a proud Haitian, American, and Vietnam Veteran, distinguished scholar, and business leader who has dedicated his life’s work to strengthening communities. Central to every decision, his love for his family and the family home led to the foundation of Colas Construction (COLAS), which led to the development and construction of significant projects in scopes of housing, healthcare, education, civic, and community hubs. Each project undertaken serves the COLAS mission: to build legacies and strengthen communities.


Built from integrity and merit by Colas Construction, a family-owned and operated General Contracting firm headquartered in Portland, Oregon. In 1997, Hermann recognized the opportunity to help rebuild the communities in North and Northeast Portland, in neighborhoods, where predominantly communities of color resided, and had few inviting living spaces. With clarity for the COLAS mission, he set out to change that. In the early days, self-financing projects under significant risk were integral to the equation that soon culminated into residential homes and large-scale housing complexes. The Great Recession provided a substantial challenge for Hermann and his company, but from the strong foundation he established, Colas Construction emerged stronger than before. Hermann’s original projects are visionary throughout Portland’s booming real estate market, with sustainability at the forefront.


COLAS is known for delivering excellence in construction for a diverse scope of projects and is nationally and locally recognized for asserting a pathway from perseverance; COLAS adds value in every aspect from cutting edge technology to excellence in safety for each project. The success of COLAS culminated from perseverance in the face of adversity. By upholding their founder’s ideals, the 2nd generation of leadership continues to provide exemplary construction, unparalleled business acumen, and grit at the center.


SELECT RECOGNITION:

  • The Hermann Colas, Jr. Legacy Scholarship; NAMC and AFO (2024)

  • Honored Citizen Award, Hermann Colas, Jr.; Architecture Foundation of Oregon (AFO) (2023)

  • The NAMC Hall of Fame, Hermann Colas, Jr.; NAMC National (2020)

  • Culture of Caring Award, Hermann Colas, Jr.; Cascadia Health (2019)


SELECT RECOGNITION FOR COLAS CONSTRUCTION (2024):

  • Oregon's Most Admired Company Award, #1 in CRE & Development; Portland Business Journal

  • Award of Excellence, Williams & Russell; Council on Tall Building and Urban Habitat (CTBUH)

  • Top Project of the Year, Centennial Place; DJC Oregon

  • Top Project Honor Award, Centennial Place; DJC Oregon

  • Top Project Honor Award, Alberta Alive: The Ronnie Herndon and The Paul & Geneva Knauls Buildings; DJC Oregon


 

Headshot of Tony Hopson
Tony Hopson

Tony Hopson is the founder and former CEO of Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI), a nationally recognized youth development organization in Portland, Oregon.  Tony is a native of Portland graduating from Jefferson High School. He attended Willamette University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology and holds an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service.  He also holds counselling and teaching certificates from Portland State University.

 

Tony founded SEI in 1981 as a one-week summer camp aimed at providing a positive alternative for African-American teens living in an area of Portland plagued by gang violence, poverty, and a public-school system that was leaving them behind. By 1989 Tony had grown SEI into a year-round program providing academic support and comprehensive wraparound services for African-American students and their families. Under his leadership, in 1997 SEI opened the Center for Self Enhancement, now named the Tony Hopson Sr. Center for Self Enhancement, provides a safe haven for thousands of students and serve as the hub for SEI’s work in the community. Today SEI serves over 17,000 youth and families annually and provides resources and services that improve every aspect of a student’s life: their home environment, family support, school experience, and opportunities outside of school.

 

Passionate about the state of education in America as it relates to the plight of children of color and children in poverty, Tony is regarded nationally as a dynamic social entrepreneur and expert on issues facing underserved youth and has been a representative for youth and family issues across the country from the Harvard School of Education and the Boston College Education Roundtable to Senatorial hearings.

 

 He has been recognized for his activism and community leadership by receiving the Urban League of Portland’s “Equal Opportunity Award;” the Black United Fund’s “Legacy Award;” the “Aubrey R. Watzek Award” from Lewis & Clark College; an Honorary Doctorate and “Living Legend Award” from Willamette University; the “First Citizen Award” from the Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors; the “Oregon Ethics in Business Award” from the Samaritan Counseling Center; and the “Distinguished Service Award” from the University of Oregon.

 

Tony remains active in the community and recently secured a $400 million gift from Phil Knight for the Black Community. Tony has served on various boards and committees in the Portland community including the Portland Trail Blazers Executive Advisory Board, Portland All Hands Raised Steering Committee, Portland African American Leadership Forum, the Ascent Funding Board, Coalition. Communities of Color Board, PIL Foundation Board, and the North/Northeast Neighborhood Housing Strategy Committee. He currently serves on the boards of the Center for Black Excellence, the 1803 Fund, and the Ballmer Institute Community Advisory Board.


 

Headshot of John Washington
John Washington

John Washington is a seasoned entrepreneur, community advocate, and urban developer with over 40 years of experience. As the Executive Director of the Soul District Business Association (SDBA), he is dedicated to fostering economic empowerment in Portland’s N/NE communities. A long-time business owner in the Soul District, Mr. Washington leads initiatives that support small businesses and youth entrepreneurs, helping them access training, funding, and resources to thrive in today’s economy.


Through one-on-one coaching, workshops, and networking events, Mr. Washington has guided countless small business owners in navigating complex systems, developing strategic plans, and building sustainable partnerships. He spearheaded programs like the Green Lighting Black Lives Matter Youth Media Project and the MLK Dream Run Weekend Celebration, which connect communities of color to economic opportunities and professional development. Under his leadership, SDBA also serves as a bridge to grant funding for property improvement and acquisition, ensuring local businesses and residents remain rooted in historically significant neighborhoods.


In addition to his work with SDBA, Mr. Washington has contributed to public art and economic development projects, including chairing Prosper Portland’s Vanport 2 Development Design Committee and serving on the Historic Albina Advisory Board and the N/NE Housing Oversight Committee. His deep ties to N/NE Portland and commitment to culturally responsive leadership continue to make him a driving force for equitable growth and community prosperity.


 


Photo of Bernie Foster standing at a podium
Bernie Foster

A native of East St. Louis, Illinois, Bernie Foster served in the US Air Force, spending six months in Vietnam in 1963, and was honorably discharged in1968. He started out in journalism taking photographs for The Crusader, an African American newspaper in his hometown, and after his military discharge in Washington state, he took photographs of the Seattle Supersonics’ games in Seattle for The Facts Newspaper, as well as working in the Advertising Department. He took journalism classes through a University of Western Washington program in Seattle, and was inspired by the words of Black publisher John Russwurm who founded Freedom’s Journal in 1827 with the motto “We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.”


Foster launched The Skanner , a weekly newspaper based in Portland, Oregon that aimed to cover issues that affected African Americans in the Pacific Northwest. The Skanner was designed to produce high-quality professional journalism, and has won numerous awards from the West Coast Black Publishers Association, including Publisher of the Year in 1986 and 1993, and from the National Newspaper Publishers Association, as well as from numerous organizations. In 1994 he was awarded the Frederick Douglass Northstar Print Media Award in Los Angeles. In 1992 he started The Seattle Skanner.


Some of the boards and organizations on which Foster has served:

  • Founder of the African American Alliance for Home Ownership, 1997

  • Board Member, Oregon Board of Pharmacy, 2002-2010

  • Board Member Metropolitan Expo/Rec Commission

  • Board Member Albina Community Bank, 1995 - 2015

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