On June 17, the Moorhead Human Rights Commission presented the Destiny Holiday Award to Rachel Stone. Rachel Stone is committed to work to advance minoritized communities. She has also worked to make Moorhead a welcoming and supportive community for all. Her nominators shared:
“Rachel’s impact on Moorhead’s inclusivity is profound. She actively collaborates with local businesses, schools, and community centers to create safe spaces for everyone. Rachel’s initiatives, such as cultural exchange events, interfaith dialogues, and neighborhood clean‐up drives foster connections and promote understanding. Her commitment to making Moorhead a welcoming place for all residents, regardless of their background, exemplifies the spirit of community‐building.”
“Rachel has spent unlimited time, compassion and resources to help low‐income and disadvantaged minority youth to survive and be resilient and thrive in their educational, social, and emotional well‐being. She has volunteered to help low‐income preschool children for school readiness. Rachel collaborated with other Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) nonprofits on youth activities and taught summer youth activities in partnership with Moorhead Horizon Middle School, Cultural Diversity Resources, Minnesota State University Moorhead, and the U of MN Extension Service.”
Congratulations to Rachel and thank you for all that you do for Moorhead and the community!
About the Destiny Holiday Award:
Destiny Holiday organized the first community celebration of Juneteenth in Moorhead in 2019. In 2020, the Moorhead City Council passed a resolution on the recommendation of the Moorhead Human Rights Commission to designate June 19 as Juneteenth Independence Day in Moorhead.
In addition to leading efforts to have Juneteenth commemorated in Moorhead, Ms. Holiday was the founder of “The Birthing of a Diamond” and “Diamond Kids” nonprofits, which empower and support single mothers and children from disadvantaged and underrepresented communities. Ms. Holiday passed away in 2022 and the Moorhead Human Rights Commission established this award in 2023 to be given annually in conjunction with the city’s Juneteenth celebration to a Moorhead resident whose contribution to the community exemplifies the compassion, resilience, and commitment to lifting up others exhibited by Ms. Holiday.
