[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Columbia Values Diversity Award winners

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2010
 
CONTACT: Division of Human Services 
(573) 874-7488 (v)
874-7356 (tty)
 
 
Bill and Dolores Clark & Centro Latino named diversity award winners
 
            (COLUMBIA, MO) – Bill and Dolores Clark were named the
winner of the individual/family award and the Centro Latino was the
organizational winner of the 13th Annual Columbia Values Diversity
Awards.  The awards were given at this morning’s Columbia Values
Diversity Celebration at the Holiday Inn Select Expo Center.
            The awards are given to an individual/family and an
organization/group that have made significant contributions in promoting
appreciation for diversity and cultural understanding in Columbia.
 
Bill and Dolores Clark
The Columbia Values Diversity Award was presented to Bill and Dolores
Clark. For years the Clarks have been an integral part of the diverse
fabric that is Columbia.  Their contribution to promoting racial harmony
in Columbia pre-dates Dr. King’s leadership of the civil rights
movement.
 
The Clark’s dedication to serving the community is evidenced by an
astounding body of volunteer work, a significant amount of which has
been focused on at-risk youth.  In addition, Bill’s columns in the
Columbia Daily Tribune have introduced generations of readers to
Columbians who have made significant contributions to the dynamics of
our community, but in some cases have long been forgotten.
 
In his acceptance of the 2004 Peacemaker honor, Bill responded with the
following: “I have long followed the personal philosophy that conflict
resolution must begin with communication.  Once communication is
achieved, only then can there be understanding.  With understanding
comes compromise and peaceful resolution.  It works in sports
officiating, in politics, in government, in business, in marriage, in
life.” This statement not only embodies the spirit of Bill and Dolores
Clark, but that of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as well.
 
 
Centro Latino
The Columbia Values Diversity Award was presented to the Centro Latino,
an organization that strives to increase cultural appreciation and
foster a respectful environment throughout Columbia.  As our community
has become more diverse the need for organizations such as the Centro
Latino has become increasingly vital.
 
The Centro Latino empowers families to navigate the health, education
and cultural resources of our area.  Health literacy activities, youth
enrichment and tutoring programs, human trafficking prevention program,
and English and Spanish classes are just a few of the many services
Centro Latino provides. In all cases the services provided are intended
to bridge linguistic and cultural differences for the betterment of the
people served and for the good of the community as a whole.
 
Promoting appreciation for diversity and cultural understanding… it is
for these reasons that the purpose and the work of the Centro Latino
exemplify the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
  
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