Stop hatred. Stop violence. Stop racism.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s powerful message and vision did not end with his death, but rather his life inspired other activists to devote their own lives to peace and unity.
Charles Tisdale, Barbara Kiernan, Danielle Hawthorne and Ashley Toombs are four members of the Fairfield community who received the Martin Luther King Jr. Vision Award this Thursday at a dinner following Dr. Diana Hayes’ speech.
“We honor people who have done great things in the community and continue to do great things for the community,” Larri Mazon, Director of the Center of Multicultural Relations, said during his welcome speech.
The winners were chosen for their contributions to the fight against violence, hatred and racism in schools and the community.
“[Tisdale] is a man whose heart is in the right place,” said Dr. Judy Primavera, who presented Tisdale with his award.
Tisdale is a Bridgeport teacher and an advocate for urban communities. He has helped over 3,000 Fairfield students obtain professional internships and service learning experiences.
“Dr. King’s legacy was one of love but that was also his weapon,” said Tisdale. “He loved America and I love America.”
Director of University Publications, Barbara Kiernan, said, “Words are true to my bones,” when she received her award from Dr. Debnam Chappell. Dr. Betsy Gardner radiated with pride as she presented the next vision award to her close friend Danielle Hawthorne.
The last vision award of the night was given to Fairfield University senior, Ashley Toombs, who headed the Student Diversity Grant committee. She said she feels lucky that the Student Diversity Grant project fell into her lap over the summer.
Tisdale, Kiernan, Hawthorne and Toombs were not the only ones recognized for their celebration of Dr. King’s message. The four winners of the Connecticut Post and Fairfield University Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest, Bridgeport middle school students Cutter Pinciaro, Shanae James, Constance Holden and Devin Harris, were given cash prizes for their essays in which each imagined spending a day with Dr. King.
Dr. Diana Hayes who was present at the dinner said her main message is to return to love although it is difficult.
“There is so much goodness in the world and unfortunately it doesn’t get the publicity that it should,” she said.
Leave a Reply