The African Hall Subcommittee of the Springfield Museums will present the 23rd annual Ubora Award to Jerald Jay Griffin at a ceremony on Saturday, September 20, at 6 pm, at the Michele & Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts at the Quadrangle. The Ubora Award, named for the Swahili word for “excellence,” is presented to an African-American who has made a significant contribution to the greater Springfield area.
Jerald Jay Griffin, or Jay as he is more commonly known, was born in Springfield, MA and attended local public schools. After a long career working as a consultant to the Illinois Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Hampden County Sheriff Department, Jay is now retired from his final post as an administrator for a HIV/AIDS counseling and testing program.
Jay has a long history of community service dating back to 1969 as one of the founders of “Harambee,” which became a major African-American festival in the City of Homes. He is also co-founder of the Stone Soul Festival and has served as Program Chairman since its beginnings twenty-five years ago. In addition, Jay currently serves on the Mason Square Health Task Force in conjunction with the Healthy Community Collaborative. He is also a Board member of the Old Hill Neighborhood Council, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, and a Commissioner on the Springfield Building Parks and Recreation Board.
Other noteworthy volunteer efforts including organizing the Safe and Sane Halloween Party for youth in Mason Square, Toys for Tots – Old Hill Neighborhood Council, and the Charlie Rawls BBQ in collaboration with Mason Square Health Task Force. Jay is a member of St. John’s Congregational Church.
A dedicated advocate for the historical accomplishments of African-Americans, Jay is known as “Scallywag Hawkins” among the Living History re-enactors of the Peter Brace Brigade of the 54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
The Ubora Award presentation will be followed by a reception at the Springfield Science Museum across the Quadrangle. Admission to the event is $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12. For information or advance reservations, call 413.263.6800, ext. 325.