The PFund Power of One award for 2009 has been given to Andrea Jenkins, a longtime community activist and volunteer. This award recognizes the depth and breadth of Andrea's service to LGBTA communities, as well as her leadership and the significant contributions she has made to help magnify PFund’s mission.
Andrea Jenkins earns the 2009 PFund Power of One award Andrea grew up in Chicago during the African-American civil rights movement. As a transgender woman of color, coming of age in this highly political environment meant developing a critical consciousness to survive. She understood the everyday realities of racism, classism, transphobia, and sexism and also learned how individual work actually drives change.
Possessing a voracious appetite for literature, she read works from leaders in the black power movement, feminist movement and broader civil rights movements. This self-education helped situate her within a long legacy of social activism. It also gave her a resolve and vision. She even led a walkout at her high school that resulted in black history thereafter being celebrated for the whole month of February, instead of just a week.
A role model
As a published writer and poet, Andrea uses her words to move others to act. She follows in the tradition of the black press: Telling her side of the story to foster a community that gathers in solidarity to work toward social justice. As a transgender woman of color, this exemplary courage to speak reflects her strongly progressive political views.
“Andrea does so much for LGBT communities—advancing equality, ensuring fairness and inspiring others in her many volunteer roles,” says Greg Grinley, PFund executive director.
“She is a role model for all of us, particularly the transgender community, people of color and youth who want to be actively engaged in their community. She exemplifies the heart of PFund’s Power of One award, illustrating the powerful, positive impact one person can make on individuals, institutions and the greater social justice movement.”
Commitment to giving
Andrea is currently a senior policy aide for Minneapolis city council member Elizabeth Glidden. She serves on the OutFront Minnesota board of directors and the University of Minnesota’s All Gender Health community advisory board. Her longtime involvement with organizations like the Trans Youth Support Network, OutFront Minnesota, District 202, and PFund and others has directly supported our community’s ongoing work towards LGBT equality.
Andrea’s strong work toward social justice helped her earn this year’s PFund Power of One award. The award comes with a $1,000 grant, which she has directed to the Trans Youth Support Network and OutFront Minnesota.
