MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Children’s Defense Fund-Minnesota (CDF-MN), the local branch of the renowned national child advocacy organization, is set to host its annual "A Celebration of Joy" event. This gathering is designed to honor remarkable Minnesota changemakers while simultaneously uplifting the broader community and reflecting a spirit of profound hope, resilience, and collective action dedicated to the state’s youth.
The prominent event, anchored by the powerful guiding theme "Advocacy that Outlives Us," will take place at the historic Capri Theater located in North Minneapolis. During the evening’s proceedings, CDF-MN will present its prestigious Advocate for Joy awards alongside the Samuel Halperin Youth Public Service Award. These accolades will be bestowed upon three dedicated Minnesota residents who have spent their lives and careers advancing the health, education, and overall well-being of young people across the Twin Cities area and throughout the entire state of Minnesota.
This year, the esteemed Advocate for Joy award is being presented to two influential leaders: Minnesota State Senator Alice Mann and Dr. Renaldo C. Blocker, an associate professor at the Mayo Clinic. Both recipients have demonstrated a profound, long-standing commitment to improving the trajectory of children’s lives through distinct yet deeply impactful professional and community avenues.
Senator Alice Mann brings a unique and urgent perspective to her legislative work, drawing directly from her extensive background as a practicing family medicine and emergency medicine physician. Driven by a desire to challenge a broader healthcare system that she witnessed prioritizing corporate profits over compassionate patient care, Mann made the pivotal decision to run for elected office in 2018. Since taking her seat in St. Paul, her legislative priorities have remained sharply focused on crafting public policies designed to systematically lower medical costs for families while rigorously ensuring that all children across the state maintain reliable access to proper nutrition and quality education.
Notably, Senator Mann serves as the chief author of Minnesota’s landmark Paid Family and Medical Leave program. This vital legislative achievement has provided critical support and financial breathing room for thousands of residents statewide, allowing working families to care for their loved ones without sacrificing their economic stability. Her recognition by CDF-Minnesota underscores the deep connection between systemic healthcare reform, family stability, and the fundamental well-being of children.
Sharing the Advocate for Joy honor this year is Dr. Renaldo C. Blocker, whose work bridges academic research, institutional mentorship, and community-level empowerment. Dr. Blocker is the co-founder of the "Why You?" Initiative, Inc., a transformative support and mentoring organization that has successfully guided more than 1,300 underrepresented students and young professionals. Through this initiative, high school students, undergraduates, graduate students, and early-career professionals receive the necessary guidance to achieve their highest academic and professional endeavors.
In addition to his tireless community leadership, Dr. Blocker maintains a demanding academic and professional schedule at the Mayo Clinic. He serves as an associate professor of Healthcare Systems Engineering and holds the role of associate director of Belonging in the Kern Center. His extensive research portfolio spans multiple complex healthcare environments, including cardiovascular care, family medicine, emergency medicine, gynecology, and orthopedic surgeries. By integrating his rigorous scientific background with a deep dedication to equity and inclusion, Dr. Blocker has created lasting pathways for the next generation of diverse leaders.
Complementing these adult honorees, the Samuel Halperin Youth Public Service Award will be presented to 19-year-old Twin Cities native Elliott Milton Williams, Jr. Williams is being recognized for his exceptional dedication to mentoring younger peers throughout the Minneapolis-Saint Paul region, demonstrating that impactful leadership and community stewardship can begin at an early age.
The celebratory evening will feature formal remarks delivered by Alisha Porter, the state director of CDF-MN, who oversees the organization’s regional mission and strategy. Additionally, the event will showcase vibrant performances by talented young people from across the Twin Cities area, placing youth voices and artistic expression directly at the center of the celebration.
Reflecting on the significance of the gathering and the caliber of this year’s honorees, Porter emphasized the collaborative spirit driving the organization’s mission. "It is an honor to work side-by-side Minnesotans who are dedicated to advancing the well-being of all children and young people in our great state," Porter stated. "We must support and celebrate all the people who drive this important work as we remain committed to ensuring every child and young person in Minnesota thrives."
The event is scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2026, running from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Capri Theater, located at 2027 W Broadway in Minneapolis.
Founded nationally in 1973, the Children’s Defense Fund envisions a society where marginalized children are fully supported to flourish, where public leaders consistently prioritize child well-being in policy decisions, and where local communities hold the resources and power necessary to ensure youth success. As the only national, multi-issue advocacy organization operating precisely at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice, CDF champions the needs of America’s most diverse generation—encompassing the 74 million children and youth under the age of 18, alongside 30 million young adults under the age of 25.
CDF’s ongoing grassroots organizing efforts within marginalized communities are designed to build sustainable power for child-centered public policies. These efforts are deeply informed by principles of racial equity and the authentic lived experiences of children and youth. Nationally recognized initiatives, such as the organization’s renowned CDF Freedom Schools program, continue to operate in nearly 100 cities across 30 states and territories, offering summer enrichment, literacy support, and civic engagement training to children who need it most.
