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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Phil Steinhaus, Office of Community Services - (573) 874-7490)
or
Robert Ross, Public Communications - (573) 874-7220

Ward receives 2005 Martin Luther King Commission Award

COLUMBIA, MO (January 14, 2005) -- Nanette Chun-Ming Ward, human rights
investigator and community educator for the city of Columbia, received
the 2005 Martin Luther King Commission Award for a government employee
during award ceremonies at the Capitol Plaza Hotel on Jan. 12. The award
was presented by Governor Matt Blunt.

Ward has dedicated her career to advocating human rights. Her position
with the city is split between investigating discrimination complaints
within the city and educating the public about human diversity.

One of the most important programs she has planned and implemented is
the Human Rights Commission's Community Study Circle Program
"Let's Talk, Columbia!" Through this program, racial
tensions in the city are addressed by engaging local citizens in safe,
honest, interactive dialogues about personal issues of human diversity.

She initiated student discussion groups at Hickman High School and
community circles that meet one evening a month. So far, more than 380
individuals have participated in these programs with more than 91
percent of them reporting that their understanding of other's
attitudes and beliefs has increased.

Ward is an excellent example of how one person can make a difference.
Through her diversity programs, she is helping people of all ages, races
and religions to understand each other's experiences and backgrounds,
thus making Columbia a more integrated and open-minded community.

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