Syracuse University’s School of Social Work in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics announced the recipient of the Dan and Mary Loy Rubenstein Social Justice award on Monday night.

Al-amin Muhammad, founder of We Rise Above the Streets Recovery Outreach, Inc. and the Rescue Mission Alliance of Syracuse, was presented the award. The honor has recognized organizations and individuals that reflect the values of social justice in their professional and humanitarian endeavors for more than 30 years.

The recipients reflect “a social justice duty that is a part of their everyday life,” said Keith Alford, director of the School of Social Work.

“(Social workers) address social problems and social injustice,” said Andre Britton, a master’s in social work student.

The honorees are perfect examples of what social work professors teach students, said Diane Lyden Murphy, dean of Falk.

“The profession of social work is all about social justice, making sure that we honor the work and dignity of human kind,” Alford said.

The Rescue Mission Alliance, founded in Syracuse in 1887, has been addressing social justice issues and challenges of homelessness and hunger by working with individuals, local community members and SU.

The organization values its working relationship with SU in determining how to serve the most important needs in the community, said Lauren Beville, a master’s in social work student, during the awards ceremony.

Muhammad, the award recipient, shared his life story during the event. He said he was once a drug dealing gang member in Chicago and was homeless in Atlanta. Now he’s an advocate making a difference for the homeless population of Syracuse.

After being homeless for a period of time, Mohammad found his way into a program and was assigned a caseworker who he said believed in him.

“(I wanted) to prove everyone wrong, that I am somebody and I can make a change,” he said.

Muhammad eventually went on to use his experiences to help people suffering from the same circumstances he endured, he said.

Muhammad’s nonprofit organization, We Rise Above the Streets Recovery Outreach, Inc., rallies a group of volunteers to organize and distribute brown bag lunches, gloves, hats and toiletries to homeless individuals in Syracuse.

He started his efforts in 2015 with one objective in mind: to make sure “nobody has to feel what (he) went through,” Muhammad said.

In 2017 the organization found housing and jobs for 57 people in the community, Muhammad said.

Alford said the School of Social Work hopes to work more closely with Muhammad’s organization and sustain its involvement with the Rescue Mission.

Sharon Owens, deputy mayor of Syracuse, offered proclamations for both award recipients on behalf of the city Monday.

“The School of Social Work has a long history of serving the Syracuse community in a way that supports the dignity and worth of all individuals,” Alford said.

Muhammad’s address received multiple standing ovations as he called on the community to work and come together in effort to help residents.

He said he hopes to continue making an impact through his efforts.

“I know I can’t save the world,” he said. “But guess what? I’m going to try.”

Published on March 20, 2018 at 3:16 am

Contact Joshua: jcarney@syr.edu