Two artistic directors, a civil rights coordinator and a reverend were among the community members nominated for the third-annual Facing Race Ambassador Award.
Dr. Ghafar Lakanwal, founder and executive director of the MultiCultural Development Center (MCDC), was honored as this year’s award recipient at an April 27 ceremony in Oakdale along with nine other nominees.
Lakanwal designated a $10,000 cash award grant to MCDC to further its work in creating an anti-racist East Metro community.
Since 2002, the Facing Race initiative of The Saint Paul Foundation has generated discussions among people of all backgrounds to provide a greater understanding of race issues and what the community as a whole can do to make it a more open and equitable society. The Facing Race Ambassador Award was created to honor individuals who excel in creating opportunities for people of all races to understand the impact of racism.
“One cannot even begin to acknowledge race and racism without knowing one’s own history and heritage,” says Dr. Ghafar Lakanwal. Born and raised in rural Afghanistan, he has spent the last 30 years traveling the world to learn and educate others about human rights, cultural diversity and inclusion.
Lakanwal earned his doctorate at the University of Hohenheim in Germany and went on to become Minister of Agriculture in Afghanistan as well as head of the Afghan Delegation to the United Nations General Assembly. Fluent in five languages, Lakanwal fled his war-torn country in the late 1980s to seek political asylum and advance social equality in the United States.
In 1991, Lakanwal founded the MultiCultural Development Center, a non-profit organization that promotes cultural understanding and inclusiveness to enhance workplace performance and community relationships. As part of his Sharing Diversity™ philosophy, he teaches that, in learning about differences, people come to see and understand their similarities. This provides an opportunity to build relationships grounded in respect and understanding, not fear, intimidation or guilt. Through MCDC, Lakanwal has built connections with hundreds of individuals and organizations in Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties—educating thousands of people about race, racism and diversity-related topics.
In 2007 and 2008 alone, Lakanwal presented more than 25 trainings and organized nearly 20 community events to address issues of racism and cultural understanding. He has received local, national and international awards for his dedication to human rights and his work with immigration, race and cultural differences.
“Educating people about differences is the most important way that we can get them to face their fears and confront their prejudices.”
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Dr. Ghafar Lakanwal
