Jonathan Lofgren receives Sons of Bransford Educator Award

Jonathan Lofgren, a member of the Minneapolis College Addiction Counseling faculty, loves his work. He has been a clinician, an administrator, and a leader in long-term recovery for 35 years, but it was his role as an educator that earned him the honor of receiving the Sons of Bransford Educator Award. The award was presented at the 14th Annual Community Empowerment Through Black Men Healing Conference held virtually on September 22 and 23, 2022.

Lofgren, who founded the campus Collegiate Recovery Program, has been with Minneapolis College since 2006. Receiving the award has been self-affirming.

“While I would like to think I do my work because I love it, it needs to be done, and it makes a difference—I would be lying if I didn't say I appreciate being recognized,” he said. “The award is an affirmation of my work. It gives me a boost that my work is not going unnoticed, and that it means something to my field and to my people.”

The Sons of Bransford Awards honor and celebrate the resilience, service, and success of Black community leaders. It is named after the late James Bransford, who was a pioneer in the field of addiction recovery and a strong community leader.

“Mr. Bransford was around when I first entered this profession, and every time I saw him, he would ask me in the most caring and grandfatherly way, ‘You a'rite?’ His legacy and this award leave me feeling extra responsible to do my best in this work, for our people and our community.”

The Annual Community Empowerment Through Black Men Healing Conference was created as an annual event to identify and honor Black men who have proven to be resilient in overcoming the trials of life and successful in extraordinary service to the community.

“I'm inspired and reaffirmed by this award,” Lofgren said, “and that energy will serve me well in the work we have ahead.”