Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Dion Dawkins founded the nonprofit organization Dion’s Dreamers in 2020 to provide mentorship and support to young men and women in underserved communities. The organization also hosts annual events in the Buffalo community, and Dawkins was selected by the Bills as the team’s nominee for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2022 and 2023.
On Friday, the lineman also received the Community Impact Award during Mayor Byron W. Brown’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration and Recognition Ceremony.
Dawkins’ mother, Lisa, accepted the award on behalf of her son.
“I can think of no better substitute,” said Oswaldo Mestre Jr., director of Citizen Services for the city.
“Dion couldn’t be here, but he wanted me to say these words,” Mestre said, reading aloud from Dawkins’ statement. “I would like to thank Mayor Brown and the City of Buffalo for honoring me with this Community Impact Award. While I don’t do it for recognition, it means so much to know that what I do is acknowledged by others. Every single person I’ve met over the years has played a role in where I have gotten today. I am grateful for every single one of you.”
Dawkins was one of six people and one organization honored with various community service awards during the ceremony.
“Today’s celebration at City Hall serves as a powerful tribute to the lasting legacy of a visionary leader who championed equality, justice and unity,” Mayor Byron W. Brown said, referring to the slain civil rights leader who would have turned 95 on Monday.
The Transformative Leadership Award was given to Tommy McClam and Daniel Robertson.
McClam is founder of the Breaking Barriers program for young men of color with Say Yes to Education Buffalo. He is also the former director of the Boys and Men of Color Initiative at Say Yes.
Robertson coordinates Breaking Barriers with McClam.
The Rev. Diann Holt received the…
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