2002 Phoenix Human Relations Commission Awardees Announced

Jan. 11, 2002

Eight Phoenix residents will be honored for their commitment to creating a compassionate and socially just community at the 15th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award Program and Breakfast 6:45 - 9:15 a.m. Friday, Jan. 18, at the Phoenix Civic Plaza Ballroom, Third and Jefferson streets.

The Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee and the Phoenix Human Relations Commission will recognize one Calvin C. Goode Lifetime Achievement and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Living the Dream awardees during the breakfast. The event is sponsored by the Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee.

The Calvin C. Goode Lifetime Achievement award recognizes one exceptional individual who has made Phoenix a better place to live through lifelong dedication to promoting social and economic justice, defending civil rights and enhancing the dignity of all people. The award is named for former City Councilman Calvin C. Goode, who worked to ensure those rights for all citizens during his 22-year tenure with the Phoenix City Council.

Dr. C. T. Wright, president and CEO of the International Foundation for Education and Self-Help, an organization that provides support for education and humanitarian efforts in Africa and around the world, will be presented with the Calvin C. Goode 2002 Lifetime Achievement Award. He has been a teacher and professor at numerous educational institutions and served as president of Cheyney University in Pennsylvania. Dr. Wright has been invited to the White House by five presidents to participate in meetings dealing with education and Africa. He has traveled worldwide sharing his commitment to create understanding of diverse cultures. Dr. Wright has hosted many African government and business leaders to Phoenix and organizes the bi-annual African - African-American summits in the Valley involving many Phoenix residents.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Living the Dream Awards program recognizes seven individuals who exemplify the ideals of Dr. King through their personal commitment to human relations, equality and justice. The 2002 recipients are:

Mary M. Black, CEO and founder of Black Family and Child Services, is committed to placing children in a secure and stable home environment. At her Teen Choice Leadership Academy, Black helps adults and children gain the skills and experience needed to better themselves and become outstanding students as well as citizens.

José Cortez, a public relations professional for Chicanos Por La Causa, spent many years as a community activist and a voice of inspiration to young people. He worked with César Chavez and the United Farm Workers organizing workshops and initiating rallies for peace and non-violence. Cortez passionately encourages young people to live a life of service and has gathered youth of diverse cultures, religions and socio-economic status to practice racial understanding and harmony.

Gerry Cullity, with years of experience in the performing arts, has influenced the health and lifestyle choices of young people through his innovative Desert Stages Theatre. He has encouraged local kids to experience theater first-hand, which results in an awareness of social issues such as use of tobacco products, teen pregnancy prevention, school violence and substance abuse. He often targets his plays to inner city kids who may never be exposed to live theater and then holds auditions to ensure a culturally diverse cast.

Judge Elizabeth R. Finn received an early orientation to the trials and tribulations associated with civil rights from her parents and continues their dream to make equal justice and equal rights a reality for all. As a judge with the city of Phoenix Municipal Court, she has designed programs to address diversity that brought the criminal justice system's attention to the treatment of minorities. Judge Finn also is recognized statewide as the leading judicial expert in the areas of domestic violence and DUI.

Donna Gahagans Guida, executive director of the Arizona Federation of Housing Counselors, has provided housing assistance and counseling to thousands of residents in Phoenix and throughout the state without regard to race or economic ability. She established numerous free housing workshops and classes dealing with landlord tenant issues, and mortgage and default. Gahagans has been recognized as a beacon of support in the face of predatory lending.

Jackie Platt-Jennas planned annual "Happy Birthday, Dr. King" events at Eastlake Park long before the official Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday was recognized in the state. She worked tirelessly with many local organizations to obtain an MLK Civil Rights Day. Platt-Jennas also organized "Caring and Sharing," a lunch program for youth participating in summer recreation programs at six schools. As a city of Phoenix employee, she helped organize the city's participation in various community events including Juneteenth and the Black Youth Recognition Conference.

Ann F. Wheat, a fourth generation Arizonan, has improved the quality of life for children facing life-threatening illnesses, children and adults with disabilities, youth from at-risk backgrounds and the Sudanese orphan refugees through her nonstop efforts and innovative programs. She collaborated with author Erma Bombeck to write a best-selling book of hope for families coping with childhood cancer. As a city of Phoenix employee, she raised millions of dollars through grants to create programs for people with disabilities including the River Rampage whitewater rafting program and Clear Path, an employment and training program.

The Phoenix Human Relations Commission also partners with the Phoenix Equal Opportunity Department to coordinate the awards program. For more information on the awards or the commission, call 602-261-8242/voice or 602-534-1557/TTY.

** Note: black and white photos of the recipients are available upon request.

Media Contact:

Marcie Colpas Pager Ron Williams

602-262-6164 602-201-7350 602-261-8938