Councilmember Michael Johnson's
Neighborhood News Council Corner Column
May 2004

If you ask Faye Gray why she gives so much to her community, she will tell you, “It’s a lot like voting. If you don’t vote, you don’t have a voice. It is the same with volunteering—if you don’t get involved, you can’t make a difference.” It’s this type of active, gung-ho attitude that recently earned her the prestigious Martin Luther King Jr. “Living the Dream” award. So, who is Faye Gray?

Ask practically anyone in the Hermosa Park Community and they’ll tell you right away about the remarkable character of this woman.

Faye Gray is a leader in the Hermosa Park Community. She has been serving her community for more than 25 years. She currently is the leader of the Hermosa Neighborhood Association and is secretary for the Unity Fight Back effort.

She has been instrumental in fostering positive change and participation in her neighborhood. However, Faye is always quick to point out that she hasn’t done it alone. She credits many people and agencies as the key to her success.

One such agency is the city of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department, which offers a variety of resources to help people get involved.

These programs and services, however, are meaningless unless you take advantage of them and get involved.

Faye Gray discovered more than 25 years ago the impact of her involvement. Her spirit of volunteerism and partnership efforts with the city has served her community well.

I salute Faye’s actions and congratulate her on her well-deserved honor. I encourage each of you to use Faye as an inspiration and find a way to make a difference.

Michael Johnson is a Phoenix City Councilmember who represents District 8. His office can be reached at 602-262-7493 or at michael.johnson@phoenix.gov via e-mail.