Just Communities of Arkansas to Honor Gerald Cound
at Annual Gathering of Friends Dinner
Village Commons' own Gerald Cound is one of three individuals tapped to receive Just Communities of Arkansas' annual Father Joseph Biltz Award, presented to outstanding individuals or groups who work for social change. The 2010 recipients of the Biltz Award also include Beverly Divers-White, Ph.D. and Pat Lile. The awards will be presented at JCA's annual Gathering of Friends Dinner, to be held Tuesday, March 2nd from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the Darragh Center at the Main Library (100 S. Rock Street) in Little Rock. Tickets to this JCA "friend raiser" and awards ceremony are $50 per person and can be purchased by calling the JCA office at 372-5129. Reservations are highly recommended. Dress is business attire.
Just Communities of Arkansas' mission is to advance diversity, challenge the assumptions we often make about people whose lives and backgrounds are different from our own, and promote understanding and respect through educational programs and advocacy. The awards' namesake, "Father Joe" Biltz, was a passionate, and often controversial, leader for peace and justice. He worked with an array of people on many issues, including the poor and the elderly, for the repeal of the death penalty and the reduction of nuclear arms. He was chair of the Urban League and a member of the Arkansas Peace Center. His commitment to social justice inspired the awards given by JCA to individuals who embody his ideals and have worked for justice and peace.
On behalf of all at Village Commons, we congratulate Gerald and all of the 2010 honorees, and encourage all who can attend the Gathering of Friends dinner to call JCA and reserve your seats. More information about JCA, its mission, and its work in the community can visit their website, www.arkansasjustcommunities.org.
