It was a red carpet affair at the 37th Helping Hands Award Dinner. Held on Wednesday, May 4 at the Hilton Garden Inn South Bend, the event was hosted by Center for Hospice Care/Hospice Foundation. This year's theme was Serving the Community, in recognition of 2022 honoree community organizer Gladys Muhammad, a South Bend native.
Muhammad was recognized for her work at the South Bend Heritage Foundation, helping start The Shelter, a 24-hour emergency shelter for abused women sponsored by the YWCA, and volunteering with numerous organizations to improve the quality of living for the community.
After 34 years she retired but continues to organize South Bend’s yearly Martin Luther King Jr Day celebration.
“I feel like I’ve won the Academy Award,” laughed Muhammad prior to the ceremony start. “I’m honored. When they picked me I asked, 'Are you sure?'”
It was quickly evident why Muhammad was chosen.
“I grew up with Gladys. I have known her most of my life,” said Karen L. White, a friend of Muhammad. “Gladys is the type of person you can’t say no to. She is very powerful. She fights for social justice. She has no problems speaking to what is right.”
White, an at-large and longest serving member of the South Bend Common Council, as well as a member in a multitude of organizations, has a memory of working with Muhammad that stands out above all.
“When we were working to change the West Washington area, before a period time, it was a part of the city that no one wanted to drive through. Gladys became a voice to say we can make the change. It took some years but we made a change,” said White.
Marvin Curtis, former Dean of Raclin of School of Arts at Indiana University (IU) South Bend echoes White on the positive changes Muhammad has made for the city.
“I met Gladys in 2008,” said Curtis. “I could tell that she was very forceful and that people respected her. I have worked with her on several things. She is a powerhouse, a force to be reckoned with. She has always been focused. I think the city is better because of her.”
Professor Darryl Heller, Director of the IU South Bend Civil Rights Heritage, is a self-professed Gladys Muhammad groupie.
“She has been a mentor, big sister, supporter, and advocate. I admire all the work she has done, all the contributions she has made,” said Heller. “Her commitment to civil rights, in particular, in the development of the black community in South Bend, she has been a tireless advocate to ensure that the Westside is not overlooked. She's giving the community a voice.”
Muhammad could not see herself having followed any other path.
“I believe I was born to do this,” said Muhammad. “When I was younger I had some challenges and my father said ‘you reap what you sow.' I was thinking at the time I had not been around long enough to reap what I’ve sown. I look back on my life and I believe God prepared me to accept the challenges in life.”
After an introduction and recollection by White and Curtis, Center for Hospice Care/Hospice Foundation President and CEO Mark Murray spoke about the multitude of programs and services offered. He thanked those in attendance for their generous contributions which aid those programs. Over the last 42 years, they have served over 43,000 patients.
The invocation was led by Muhammad’s brother, Hardie Blake, but not before he reflected on his sister.
“To be earnestly dishonest is to know the truth, but not always tell the truth, even when it is appropriate to tell the truth. But honesty is a fruit of love. I know my sister to be earnestly honest,” said Blake. “She recognizes those who are earnest and honest. But, she also recognizes those who are earnestly dishonest yet she is still determined to help everyone who comes to her and asks for help.”
The over 325 guests in attendance enjoyed their entrees and desserts at candlelit tables displaying elaborate flower arrangements. Then it was time for the presentation of the award by Mary Newbold, Hospice Foundation Board Chair, and Jen Ewing, Center for Hospice Care Board Chair.
After posing for photos, Muhammad gave a speech in the rousing style she is known for. She expressed that after initially touring Center for Hospice Care’s new facility in Mishawaka, she was questioning if her face should be on the wall with prior honorees. With thought, there was motivation and honor for Muhammad to accept the award.
“I’m doing this for all of us that grew up on the lake," said Muhammad referring to a well-known area in South Bend. “Nobody would have thought that anyone that grew up on that lake would become successful and make a difference in the community."
“My face represents all of us who work hard every day, all day, all night, 24 hours trying to get results," she continued. "I try to hang on when the challenges come and barriers are there. I want us to hang on anyways. All of my friends out there black or white, hang tall, stay tough, hang on anyways.”
Muhammad expressed her appreciation to Center for Hospice Care.
“I want to thank Hospice for being a helping hand. They are there at the end of our lives. They help us leave here peacefully and it doesn't cost anyone a dime. Thank you everyone who contributed here today.”
With tears gently running down her face, Muhammad shared how Center for Hospice Care was there for her when her father died and when for her husband when he was dying. In true form, she shared one of the last conversations she had with her husband.
"I asked my husband 'Are you afraid to die?' He said to me 'No, I made my peace with the Lord a long time ago. You and your big mouth ought to be the one scared for that.'"
She concluded with a special thanks to everyone in attendance at the event.
"Again I want to thank all of you. And because of all of you in this room, now I ain’t scared.”
For more information on Center for Hospice Care/Hospice Foundation, please visit cfhcare.org.