"I am tremendously honored to receive this award that bears the name of a man whom I have greatly admired for nearly 40 years," reflected Dickinson. "Sam Jones' contributions to Indianapolis will live eternally in the history of the city. Sam was an integral part of the race relations debate since the '60's. He established a dialogue between races, especially when the racial environment was inflammable. Sam was a true trailblazer who cut his way through the thicket of inequality and bigotry so that African-Americans and people of all races would be able to follow the path toward fairness and opportunity."
Indiana Black Expo officials chose Dickinson to receive the award for her fight on behalf of working men and women in Indiana. Officials said she has been a champion and leader for organized labor to ensure the longevity of unions in their struggle to protect the rights of all working Hoosiers.
Dickinson is Membership Chair for the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, a member of UAW Local 23, the 2003 State Director of Women in Government, a member of the Devington Community Development Corp., and a Democratic Ward Chair for Marion County.
Dickinson also led the legal fight against multi-member legislative districts to ensure the fair representation of Indianapolis residents, especially minorities who were underrepresented in the Indiana General Assembly. Multi-member districts were found to be in violation of the federal Voting Rights Act. African-American representation in Marion County's House delegation doubled as a result of her efforts. For her groundbreaking work for fair representation, the Coalition of 100 Black Women named Dickinson the 1992 "Breakthrough Woman."
In addition, Dickinson was instrumental in the legislative efforts to mandate the posting of "Voter Rights" at Indiana polling sites. During her career in the General Assembly, she has been an advocate for the safety and protection of children as well as a tireless worker for greater educational opportunities for young people.
The Trailblazer Award, which has been presented for several years during the Indiana Black Expo, was renamed this year to honor Sam Jones and his contributions. The award is presented to those "who step out of the normal path to create their own."
Sam Jones led the Urban League in Indianapolis, as president and CEO, for the organization's 36-year history, until Jones' retirement in December, 2002. The Mississippi native worked with Urban Leagues in Cleveland and St. Paul prior to his time in Indianapolis. Jones died earlier this year after a long battle with cancer.