This is the citation for the Dr. Kenniebrew Award, presented to Sunshine Clemons Feb. 13 at the annual Dr. Alonzo Kenniebrew Lecture, sponsored by HSHS St. John’s Hospital, Memorial Health System and the SIU Foundation. Dr. Kenniebrew was the first African American physician in the United States to build and operate a surgical hospital, the New Home Sanitarium in Jacksonville, Illinois, established in 1909. The citation was written and delivered by Valeria M. Cueto, Memorial Health vice president, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
The Dr. Kenniebrew Award is given to individuals who exemplify exceptional leadership in advocating for social justice and equality. Those who demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of marginalized communities. And those who empower others through their actions.
To advocate for social justice is tremendously hard work. It requires sustained action in the face of deep resistance. A vision for what a just community can look like, and endurance because movement toward that vision will often come in the form of incremental progress.
To be good at advocating for social justice requires even more. It requires the ability to connect, to tell the truth, to collaborate… It requires bravery and strength.
To be excellent at advocating for social justice requires all of that and the power to motivate people to organize and to work together. And the ability to create a legacy that will continue this work until the work is done.
Sunshine Clemons exemplifies all these qualities and then some. Throughout Sunshine’s career, she has exemplified selfless service and dedication. She has been recognized with prestigious accolades. Most recently, she was named an “Introvert to Watch” by Hush Loudly in 2024, a testament to her impactful presence and dedication to social justice.
As a co-founder of Black Lives Matter Springfield, Sunshine has been at the forefront of advocating for Black community members. She has facilitated community forums and discussions that have brought together diverse populations to share their experiences and concerns – giving folks who grieve the experience of injustice an outlet, fostering a sense of belonging and working to ensure that all stakeholders are included in decision-making.
During our most recent time of crisis and community mourning, Sunshine has shown remarkable strength and focus as a commissioner on the Sonya Massey Commission. In that demanding role, she has played a pivotal role in addressing systemic inequities and advocating for marginalized communities. And while that, given the focus of her career and life’s work may not be surprising, I want to stress that she yet again said “yes” to this work because she knows what this community can look like, and she loves it enough to work toward that vision.
Known in the community as a “bridge builder,” “waymaker,” “beacon of light” and “truth teller,” her quiet strength is often felt behind the scenes, where she crafts solutions and leads initiatives that summon the best in those around her. Sunshine Clemons embodies the spirit of the Dr. Kenniebrew Award, and her tireless dedication to equity, coupled with her exemplary leadership and advocacy, makes her a deserving recipient. Please join me in congratulating Sunshine for being the 2025 Kenniebrew Award Recipient and in thanking her for all the ways in which she inspires positive change in our community and continues to say “yes” to it and to us, even when sometimes she really would rather be kicking back and watching an old movie.
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This article appears in Mar 27 – Apr 2, 2025.
