At the King Memorial: Awards Recognizing Community Involvement
Celebrating the life of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., under the theme "We Must Make A Difference," Penn's commemorative program January
20 singled out four who have made a difference in Philadelphia. Dr. Judith Rodin announced the awards, which were then presented by the co-chairs
of the commemorative's Community Involvement Committee.
Presented by Glenn Bryan, Penn's director of community relations, were
- Ms. Evelyn Peterson, who worked to disarm with violent youth and develop "street peace treaties" as a longtime member of the Crisis
Intervention Network; at 66 she continues that work in the Philadelphia Anti-Drug, Anti-Violence Network.
- Bilal Qayyum, coordinator of economic development for Philadelphia's Department of Commerce whose work produces start-up funding for
small business and who as a volunteer works to promote responsible fatherhood; founder of the annual Father's Day Picnic in Fairmount Park, he has
also published, with David P. Richardson, the book on "Rites of Passage" for African-American boys.
Presented by David Grossman, director of student-community involvement here, were
- James Gist, director of technology learning services at Penn and founder of the Saturday Children's Computer Program. A founding member
of PennVIPS, he also works with Operation Understanding to foster friendship between Jewish and African Americans.
- Blane Fitzgerald Stoddart, executive director of the West Philadelphia Partnership's Community Development Corporation and author of a
strategic plan to bring $40 million in housing, jobs and economic development to the neighborhood. The Wharton alumnus and Mayor's Scholar
established West Philadelphia Town Watch and "Community Night Out" among other ventures.
Below, presenters Glenn Bryan and David Grossman (at left and right, respectively) flank the four winners of Community Involvement Recognition
Awards; Blane Stoddart and Evelyn Peterson, left of Dr. Rodin, and Bilal Qayyum and James Gist to her right. Photos by Stuart Watson. For excerpts
from the keynote address of the Rev. Calvin Butts III (above right) see Compass feature.
Almanac
Volume 43 Number 19
January 28, 1997
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