Cheryl Crazy Bull (Sicangu Lakota Nation) and president and CEO of the American Indian College Fund, was recognized by the Bank of America as a Neighborhood Business Social Equality Awardee. She was one of six leaders in the United States by the bank for working to strengthen social equality and economic development.
“It is an honor to be recognized along with other activists who build community and opportunity through race and equity work,” Crazy Bull said. “When I am recognized for my equity work, I am reminded that my ancestors valued commitment to transforming education systems that were deliberately designed to eliminate identity and destroy our ways of living. The prayers and dreams of my ancestors give me the strength to work for that transformation for our students today and for future generations.”
As part of the award, each awardee is given the opportunity to select a nonprofit of their choice to direct a $200,000 grant. Crazy Bull chose The American Indian College Fund.
This is not the first time Crazy Bull has been honored. In 2015, she was listed on the 50 most influential people in Indian Country by Indian Country Today magazine in 2015; being one of two American Indian women leaders honored by National Indian Women’s “Supporting Each Other” group in 2017; and a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Native American Finance Officers Association in 2019.
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