UCAN Leader Robinson Honored for ‘Dedication to Empowering and Uplifting the African American Community’

A leader of UCAN — a West Side Chicago youth services organization that serves more than 21,000 at-risk children, youth and families — is being honored for his contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion. Claude Robinson, executive vice president for external affairs and diversity at UCAN, recently was awarded the Donald Stewart Fellowship by the African American Legacy Fund, in partnership with the Chicago Community Trust.

The award commemorates the life and philanthropic legacy of Donald Stewart, who was president and CEO of the Chicago Community Trust. It recognizes the achievements of outstanding community leaders “for their dedication to empowering and uplifting the African American community,” Chicago Community Trust CEO Helene Gayle said.

Robinson was honored for his contributions to put equity and diversity at the forefront of UCAN’s work as a continuum of care for at-risk youth on Chicago’s West Side.

His work impacts every level of the organization, from UCAN’s youth mentorships to job training to violence prevention programs, said UCAN Chief Program Officer Kimberly Casey. He has also been instrumental in improving the diversity and equity in the organization’s human resource practices, recruitment and board governance. “He does his work whether you’re looking or not,” Casey said. “Sometimes, we have unsung heroes inside our organization that we need to continuously lift up.”

Advocacy for African Americans and their stories is of paramount importance for Robinson. “As long as I have breath in my body, the fire will continue to burn,” he said. “I’m going to do everything I can to make sure the African American experience is respected and lifted.”