Alice Musabende Outstanding Citizen Award, 2009 to Anna Donnelly
Remarks from Senator Sandy Pappas
In 1994 Alice Musabende, then aged 14, became an orphan survivor of genocide. She lost her grandparents, her parents, her 12-year-old sister, and her 9-year-old and 2-year-old brothers in the violence that engulfed Rwanda. Alice is now 28 and a journalist in Canada. She visits us in Minnesota often. Anna Donnelly became her friend. They spent a lot of time together, ordinary time – going shopping, going out for lunch, talking about boys.
Alice’s story broke Anna’s heart and Anna was moved to take a stand against genocide. This award recognizes Anna, on behalf of Alice and the world’s millions of survivors and those who did not survive.
Anna has been exceptional in the three areas specified for this award.
- Education about genocide: Anna has reached out to the faith, civic, educational, and human rights communities to teach about genocide both past and present and to remember those whose lives and cultures have been destroyed by genocide. She’s been part of our speakers’ bureau; she was in our film about Darfur; and she prepared the educational CD that’s been distributed to more than 800 educators around the world. She was the co-president of STAND at the University of Minnesota.
- Education to prevent genocide: Anna works to reduce xenophobia, anti-Semitism, and other forms of prejudice in our community;
- Education against genocide: Anna has worked with elected officials to enhance legislation that protects innocent civilians around the world and to advocate for the prosecution of perpetrators. She was directly involved in divestment passed by the cities of Hopkins, Virginia, and Winona.
Anna Donnelly is the first recipient of the Alice Musabende Outstanding Citizen Award for education about, against, and to prevent genocide.
Anna Donnelly receives “Outstanding Citizen” award from World Without Genocide
Edina, MN – Anna Donnelly, 24, St. Paul, received the first-ever “Outstanding Citizen” award from World Without Genocide, headquartered in Edina. This award, presented by Senator Sandy Pappas, board member of World Without Genocide, is named after Alice Musabende, orphan survivor of the Rwandan genocide. Donnelly was recognized for her four years of work to raise awareness about genocides both past and present, through speaking at high schools, colleges, universities, faith communities, and civic organizations; for legislative action at the city and state levels in Minnesota; and for creation of educational materials that are being used around the world. Donnelly is currently an Americorps volunteer at The Advocates for Human Rights, Minneapolis, where she works to promote immigrant rights throughout the state.
Donnelly is a 2008 honors graduate of the University of Minnesota and a recipient of a Human Rights Fellowship from the Upper Midwest Coalitionforf Human Rights. As a Fellow, she worked with World Without Genocide to prepare teaching and learning materials about the current crisis in Darfur. She also is featured in a documentary, “Genocide Again: Darfur,” produced by Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) with co-sponsorship from the University of Minnesota, World Without Genocide, and other Minnesota organizations.
