The African Hall Committee of the Springfield Museums is pleased to announce the recipients of the prestigious Ubora Award and Ahadi Youth Award, which will be presented at a special ceremony at the Museums on Saturday, September 19, at 6 pm. The ceremony is open the public, with tickets now on sale at SpringfieldMuseums.org/ubora.

Bishop Talbert W. Swan II, D.Min., faith leader, civil rights advocate, and community activist, is this year’s Ubora Award recipient, and Solara Abdelrahman, a rising junior at Roger L. Putnam Vocational Academy, will receive the Ahadi Youth Award.

“The Ubora and Ahadi Awards celebrate the values that have guided the African Hall Committee for more than three decades—excellence, service, leadership, and a commitment to strengthening our community,” said Terry Powe, Chair of the African Hall Committee. “Bishop Swan has devoted his life to advancing justice, faith, and opportunity for others, while Solara Abdelrahman represents the next generation of compassionate, driven leaders. We are proud to recognize both of these extraordinary individuals and invite the community to join us as we celebrate their achievements.”

Named for the Swahili word meaning “excellence,” the Ubora Award has been awarded annually since 1992 to an African American adult who has demonstrated a commitment to Greater Springfield and has exhibited excellence in the fields of community service, education, science, humanities, or the arts. Bishop Talbert W. Swan II‘s decades of service have advanced social justice, equity, and spiritual leadership throughout Massachusetts and beyond.

A Springfield native and fourth-generation member of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), Bishop Swan accepted his call to ministry at age 15 and was ordained in 1991. He is the pastor of Spring of Hope Church of God in Christ in Springfield, where he has led a thriving congregation committed to worship, education, youth development, and community outreach.

Bishop Swan’s commitment to lifelong learning is reflected in an impressive academic background that includes degrees in computer science and religious studies, master’s degrees in theology and urban ministry, and a Doctor of Ministry from Carolina University. His doctoral research focused on strengthening congregational engagement in addressing social and economic challenges through leadership development and community partnerships. He has also completed graduate certificate programs at Hartford Seminary and Harvard Divinity School.

A passionate advocate for civil rights and racial justice, Bishop Swan serves as President of the Greater Springfield NAACP and has held numerous leadership positions within the Church of God in Christ, including Assistant General Secretary, Director of Social Justice Ministry, and Clerk of the General Board. In 2025, he was appointed Prelate of the Greater Massachusetts Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. He also serves on several state and national advisory boards and commissions dedicated to advancing equity, public policy, and community well-being.

Widely sought as a preacher, keynote speaker, and presenter, Bishop Swan has addressed audiences at colleges and universities across the country, major national conventions, and commemorations of historic civil rights milestones. In 2025, he was inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College, recognizing his prophetic leadership, moral courage, and unwavering commitment to justice.

Throughout his distinguished career, Bishop Swan has earned widespread recognition for his leadership in civil rights, faith-based advocacy, and public service. His work continues to influence conversations on racial equity, community engagement, and social justice at the local, state, and national levels, making him one of the region’s most respected voices for positive change.

Solara Abdelrahman was selected as the Ahadi Youth Award recipient, given since 2009 to an African American student (age 19 or younger) who embodies the Swahili word for “promise” and excels both in academics and service to the Greater Springfield community.

As a sophomore at Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy, Solara Abdelrahman distinguished herself through outstanding academic achievement, exceptional leadership, and a deep commitment to serving her school and community. She challenges herself with Honors and Advanced Placement coursework while also participating in the Early College Program through Westfield State University. In addition, she is enrolled in Putnam’s rigorous Health Assisting vocational program, where she consistently demonstrates maturity, responsibility, and a strong work ethic.

Beyond the classroom, Solara is an active leader in numerous school organizations. She serves as President of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for SkillsUSA, where she leads with confidence, professionalism, and poise. She is also an engaged member of the Empowerment Club and the Youth Leadership Institute, reflecting her passion for advocacy, personal growth, and empowering others.

Proud of her Sudanese and Egyptian heritage, Solara credits her African roots as a constant source of inspiration and purpose. She views her heritage as a daily reminder of the values that guide her work, her commitment to excellence, and her desire to make a positive impact in her community.

Known for her initiative, integrity, and thoughtful leadership, Solara leads by example in every endeavor she pursues. She is respected by peers and faculty alike for her dedication, compassion, and commitment to excellence, making her an inspiring role model and a deserving recipient of the Ahadi Youth Award.

The Springfield Museums and African Hall Committee are accepting donations to the Ahadi Scholarship Fund. The Fund directly empowers young leaders like Solara, offering a meaningful way to invest in both the future of individual students and the strength of the Greater Springfield community.

The African Hall Committee is a volunteer group comprising educators, businesspeople, and leaders from the Black community. In 2026, the recipient of the Ubora Award was “Springfield Songstress” Vanessa V. Ford, faculty member at the Community Music School of Springfield and the director of the Trust Transfer Project, and Saryah Brantley and Elijah Deon Ballard were dual recipients of the Ahadi Youth Award.

MassMutual is the season sponsor of the Springfield Museums.

Honoree portraits by Underwood Photography.