Honor Those Who Give Back to Minnesota Communities

Want to shine a highly deserved spotlight on a mover and shaker older than 50 who is improving their community? 

AARP Minnesota and the media arts nonprofit Pollen Midwest are seeking nominations for this year’s 50 Over 50 list, which recognizes the contributions of those 50-plus who work to make the state better for all. 

Since 2016, more than 250 individuals from across Minnesota have been honored. 

Nominees can be anyone who is making a difference in their community, such as by generating business opportunities that help drive the local economy, creating or teaching art, or finding ways to upend stereotypes about getting older. 

For example, 2020 honoree Wokie Weah, 66, of Woodbury, an immigrant from Liberia and president of the Minneapolis nonprofit Youthprise, works to promote equity and economic opportunities for the state’s Indigenous, low-income and racially diverse youth.

Nominations can be submitted from Monday, April 4, to Saturday, April 30, at 50over50mn.org. There are five categories: arts and culture, nonprofit, business, community building and disruption. 

Honorees will be announced and celebrated in September.

—Mary Van Beusekom