Social Justice Awards 2012
Every January, Americans find ways to commemorate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Each event deepens our understanding of America’s Civil Rights martyr and speaks volumes about the values of the various communities. For the tenth year, Nyack College recognizes the birthday of Dr. King by acknowledging individuals and organizations that embrace the vision of social justice that King championed.
Nyack College will host their annual Social Justice Awards at a dinner this Sunday, January 18 at the Nyack Seaport.”Nyack’s Social Justice Celebration keeps alive Dr. King’s dream of the beloved community,” said Earl Miller, Executive Director of Community Relations at the college. The first inductee in 2006 was NAACP Nyack Branch president Frances Pratt.
2015 Social Justice Award recipient Wilbur Aldridge with Nyack NAACP President Frances Pratt, the first to receive the honor.
2015 Social Justice Award Recipients:
Wilbur Aldridge served as the Regional Director of the Mid-Hudson Westchester NAACP for over a decade. He also serves as the First Vice President of the Nyack Branch of the NAACP. For 32 years, Aldridge worked the the State of New York in various posts including Director of Multicultural Programs at Rockland Psychiatric Center and Mid-Hudson Psychiatric Center and Assistant to the Director at Letchworth Village Developmental Center.
“I am thrilled to receive this award. Anytime you receive recognition for work that you have done, it’s impetus to continue the work.”
Rockland County Legislator John Murphy
Honorable John Murphy (District 16 Legislator)
John Murphy is the longest serving elected official in the Rockland County Legislature. “Over the past 43 years I have represented all or part of Orangetown on the Rockland County Legislature and have always thought it to be a “Hidden Treasure”. It is an oasis of civility and humanitarianism in an often cruel world.
Nyack College sheds light and warmth by its values and the conduct of it students. What a blessing to Rockland County.”
Accepting the award for Rockland County’s Holocaust Museum & Study Center, Director, Andrea Winograd
Andrea Winograd, Rockland County’s Holocaust Museum Study Center, Director
“The Holocaust Museum & Study Center along with Nyack College have a beautiful synergy as both educational institutions emphasize the great need for tolerance and mutual acceptance among people of all races, creeds and origins. The Holocaust Museum & Study Center is honored that Nyack College and Earl Miller recognizes our mission of teaching tolerance, diversity. social justice and moral courage.
Year after year the students of Nyack College examine and explore the lessons of the Holocaust and Human Rights Struggles with our valued team of educators. Together we inspire society to confront hatred, promote human dignity and prevent any seeds of hate.”
Paulo Feteira and Jose David Martinez, co-owners of Union Restaurant in Haverstraw
Special recognition for community service to Paulo Feteira and Jose David Martinez, co-owners of Union Restaurant in Haverstraw for the work of their We Care Foundation
Every February since 2007, Union Restaurant and Bar Latino’s Manager Paolo Feteira and Chef David Martinez have hosted a free meal for their community. During three services over three days, the restaurant serves 3,000 meals. “When we opened our restaurant, we saw that the people around us were hurting during a tough economy. We felt disconnected. We wanted a way to connect.”
Interfaith King Day Service
The Nyack Branch of the NAACP will commemorate the legacy and dream of the Late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Monday, January 19 at 2p
Pilgrim Baptist Church,
Rev. Willie L. Hairston, Pastor
80 North Franklin
Presiding- Rev. Dr. Paul Smith, Religious Affairs Chair and Pastor, St. Philip’s AME Zion Church
Message – Father Owen Thompson, Rector, Grace Episcopal Church
Musical Selection – The Ministerial Choir of Rockland County
Director – Bishop Buxton, Pastor, Faith Temple Church
“It is a great honor to receive this recognition at the event. I read the words of Dr. King recently where he spoke of the Beloved Community. This ideas stands to this day.”
The Nyack College Social Justice Awards will take place on Sunday, January 18 at 6p at the Nyack Seaport, 21 Burd Street.
Founded in 1882, Nyack College is a Christian liberal arts college and seminary with a residential campus in Nyack, NY along the Hudson River, a commuter campus in the heart of New York City and an extension site in Puerto Rico. Nearly 3,000 students are being educated through their undergraduate, graduate and seminary degree programs.
Nyack is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and is chartered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York.
To learn more visit nyack.edu.
