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Senator Harkin praises Mason City’s Lionel Foster

MASON CITY – Mason City’s Lionel Foster was inducted into the Iowa African American Hall of Fame last week at a ceremony in Altoona.

The Iowa African-American Hall of Fame, founded in 1995, recognizes major contributions that have improved the quality of life for Iowans.

Iowa Senator Tom Harkin expounded on Foster’s achievements in a letter, congratulating Foster.  “The quiet heros of social change too often go uncelebrated,” he wrote.  “When you began your activism, you may not have forseen the remarkable impact of your actions.  Equally significant is the inspiration you provide young Iowans who look to you for mentorship in continuing the work you have begun.

“I am pleased and honored to receive the recognition. It’s a reward for my life’s work, helping people,” Foster told NorthIowaToday.com. “Sometimes all you hear is the criticism. It’s nice to get recognized.”

Lionel, an ex-Marine, has been a long-time Mason City resident and business owner. He is currently the director of the Mason City Iowa Human Rights Commission and has held that position for the past 39 years, since 1972.

Among his other accomplishments:

– Organized the Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank in Mason City in the 1990s
– In 1997 he began working with abused, neglected and displaced children in the Iowa Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program
– In 2003, then Governor Tom Vilsack appointed Lionel to the Iowa Child Advocacy Board (ICAB)
– In 2007, Lionel was elected chair of ICAB

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