Urban Triage Honored at the 2026 Black Excellence Celebration for Community Leadership in Wisconsin

Urban Triage, a Madison-based nonprofit serving the Greater Dane County area, has been recognized as a 2026 Black Excellence Award recipient in the Organizations category by Black Student Leaders in partnership with Hope Restores.

The Black Excellence Award celebrates individuals and organizations demonstrating outstanding leadership, advocacy, and community impact. For Urban Triage, this recognition reflects years of dedicated work building community programs across Wisconsin that support housing stability, youth empowerment, food justice, and family resilience.

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A Recognition Rooted in Community Impact

Headquartered in Madison and serving communities throughout Dane County and Wisconsin, Urban Triage has become a leading voice in community-centered programming and advocacy.

In 2025 alone, Urban Triage supported more than 5,000 families through programs that address systemic barriers and create pathways to stability, opportunity, and long-term well-being.

Black Student Leaders highlighted Urban Triage’s commitment to intentional leadership, grassroots community engagement, and the empowerment of Black students and families.

Through programs focused on housing stabilization, youth development, food sovereignty, and community outreach, Urban Triage continues to build spaces where families can thrive.

Learn more about Urban Triage’s mission and approach to community transformation here:
https://urbantriage.org/about-us

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Celebrating Black Leadership and Community Excellence

The award was presented during the 6th Annual Black Excellence Celebration on February 28, 2026, at the Capella Performing Arts Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Hosted by Black Student Leaders and Hope Restores, the event brought together students, educators, advocates, and community organizations committed to advancing Black leadership, equity, and community development across Wisconsin.

Throughout the evening, honorees shared stories of service, resilience, and innovation—highlighting how community-based organizations are creating lasting change.

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Representing Urban Triage

The award was accepted on behalf of Urban Triage by:

Ruthanna Hutton-Okpalaeke, Agricultural Program Manager, and
Alex Lindenmeyer, Development Manager.

Their presence reflected the organization’s commitment to both grassroots agricultural work and sustainable community investment.

Urban Triage’s agriculture initiatives help expand access to fresh food while supporting Black farmers, food sovereignty education, and community-based agricultural entrepreneurship.

Learn more about Urban Triage’s agriculture initiatives:
https://urbantriage.org/agriculture-initiatives

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Supporting Families Through Community Programs in Wisconsin

Urban Triage’s work spans a wide range of community programs designed to support families navigating housing instability, economic hardship, and systemic barriers.

These efforts include housing navigation services that help connect families experiencing homelessness with safe, stable housing and supportive resources.

Explore Urban Triage’s housing programs:
https://urbantriage.org/housing-services

Urban Triage also works with young people through programs focused on safety, stability, and long-term independence for youth facing crisis or housing instability.

Learn more about youth programs:
https://urbantriage.org/healthy-youth

Together, these initiatives form a network of community programs in Wisconsin designed to strengthen families and create pathways to long-term stability.

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Continuing the Work

While the recognition is meaningful, Urban Triage remains focused on the work ahead.

Across Wisconsin, many families continue to navigate housing instability, food insecurity, and systemic barriers that limit opportunity. Urban Triage works to meet these challenges through direct services, advocacy, and community-driven solutions rooted in dignity and care.

This award reflects not only the organization’s work but also the collective effort of staff, volunteers, partners, and community members who continue to help build stronger and more equitable communities.

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Support Urban Triage’s Community Programs

Urban Triage continues to expand its work across Madison, Dane County, and communities throughout Wisconsin.

If you believe in strengthening families and investing in community-driven solutions, we invite you to support the work.

You can also explore ways to get involved or volunteer with Urban Triage:
https://urbantriage.org/get-involved

Your contribution helps Urban Triage continue providing community programs that support thousands of families every year.

Donate to support Urban Triage’s community programs:
https://urbantriage.org/support-agriculture-initiatives

Together, we can continue building stronger communities across Wisconsin.

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