Peace Learning Center was honored today with the inaugural
Sam H. Jones Award during the second annual Mayor's Celebration of
Diversity Awards program.
The Jones award, named in honor of the long-time Indianapolis
Urban League leader, represents the best of local businesses and non-profit
organizations in terms of promoting and embracing diversity, said Mayor
Bart Peterson.
Executive Director Charlie Wiles accepted the award, which
was presented by Jones' daughter, Marya Overby.
"We will take this award as a challenge to live up to
the legacy Mr. Jones represents," said Wiles.
The five-year-old Peace Learning Center helps teaches youths
and their parents how to resolve conflict without violence.
"The tools we use to achieve our goals are honor and
respect for diversity and honor and respect for out natural
environment," said Wiles. "We believe every person is of value
and every person has something to offer."
Other award winners were:
-- United Water -- Mayor's Celebration of Diversity Award for
Development
-- Girl Scouts of Hoosier Capital Council -- Mayor's
Celebration of Diversity Award for Community Relations
-- The Indianapolis Star -- Mayor's Celebration of Diversity
Award for Leadership
-- Eli Lilly and Co. -- Mayor's Celebration of Diversity
Award for Workforce
-- The Nationalities Council of Indiana -- Award of
Distinction.
The winners were selected from a field of 12 nominees.
Peterson said all of the nominees, including those which did
not win awards, should be proud that they are considered leaders in
promoting diversity.
"This does not mean that there are no more challenges,"
said Peterson. "But it does mean that, in this city over the last
several decades, we are making progress. ... We are getting to the point
where everyone understands the value of promoting diversity."
Peterson also challenges the more than 1,000 guests at the
awards luncheon at the Westin Hotel to continue to embrace diversity by
"moving outside your comfort zones and interacting with people of
different backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities."