Community Relations wins MLK Peacemaker Award

Peacekeeper Award
Robert Barker/University Photography
Gary Stewart, director of Community Relations, accepts the Martin Luther King Jr. Peacemaker Award from the Community Dispute Resolution Center and Greater Ithaca Activities Center.

Cornell’s Office of Community Relations, led by Director Gary Stewart, was recognized with the Martin Luther King Jr. Peacemaker Award, Jan. 17. The award, from the Community Dispute Resolution Center and the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) was presented during the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Breakfast, held at the Beverly J. Martin Elementary school gymnasium in Ithaca.

The award celebrates the life and work of King by recognizing individuals or organizations who work nonviolently for change, who bring people together to resolve differences or promote social justice, and whose work benefits the Tompkins County 
community.

The nominating letter for the Community Relations office highlighted its efforts in “developing collaborative and progressive initiatives for the common good, under a broad and inclusive umbrella.”

The nomination touched on diversity-related initiatives for broadcast programs created and produced by Community Relations, including the award-winning “All Things Equal,” a weekly show that ran for more than six years on radio station WHCU.

Community Relations was also recognized for its development of the Local Leaders of Color Group, co-chaired by Marcia Fort, director of GIAC, and Cornell President David Skorton.

The award recipient is chosen annually by representatives of the Community Dispute Resolution Center and GIAC.

Media Contact

Joe Schwartz