Jamesville-DeWitt High School Senior Elbethel Berhane has been named a 2024 MLK Unsung Hero by Syracuse University. She and three other community members will be honored during the 39th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Sunday, January 21.
According to Syracuse University, the Unsung Hero Award is given to community members, students, faculty and staff who have made a positive impact on the lives of others but are not widely recognized for their contributions. The awards were created to honor Dr. King’s vision of creating positive change in a troubled world. Elbethel is being recognized as a standout community youth.
“I nominated Elbethel to receive this award because of her positive impact on the lives of others…She has honored MLK’s vision in so many ways, but most importantly worked so hard to eliminate racism in our community,” said Umoja/Kente Club Advisor Sabrina Scott.
Elbethel first joined the Umoja/Kente Club as a Freshman and is now a co-student advisor. Last summer she was certified and trained through the Student Coalition on Race and Equity, an initiative that accesses the talent and skills of students to eliminate racism in their school community and beyond. She also works with People In Action and teaches elementary school children in the Amharic language at the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Baldwinsville.
Just an amazing accomplishment, congratulations Elbethel!