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"the right thing--not the race thing"
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CORE's Harmony Awards dinner was conceived to recognize positive
contributions to harmonious race
Almost daily, we read about horrendous acts of racism in newspapers and periodicals from around the world--most recently, the Kosovo crisis in Europe, the Rwanda crisis in Africa, the incidents of police brutality in New York and Los Angeles and before that, charges of diabolical church burnings and lynchings across the U.S.
In this country and abroad, we face periodical bombings and acts of sabotage because of racial, ethnic, religious, or political bias. Even in the face of all of all this adversity, mankind's innate desire for peace and harmony burns strong as evidenced by positive examples of man's humanity towards others.
The keynote speech at the last event was delivered by President George W. Bush. He along with New York City's Mayor, Rudy Guiliani, praised CORE's efforts for bringing people together in the spirit of brotherhood. CORE is proud to be involved with recognizing individuals that have chosen to do the "right thing instead of the race thing."
The list of Harmony Award recipients includes: the family of James Byrd (1999)--the Texas man who was dragged to his death by a group of avowed racist in what was described as a modern-day lynching; Sheriff Bill Rowles (1999) -the Texas law enforcement officer who captured the culprits in the Byrd case; District Attorney Guy James Gray (1999) --the prosecutor who tried the case against them; and Mayor R.C. Horn on behalf of the citizens of Jasper, Texas (1999); 19-year-old Keisha Thomas (1995); Union County, South Carolina Sheriff, Howard Wells (1996); Four descendents of President Thomas Jefferson through Sally Hemings and Martha Wayles--Ms. Shay Banks-Young, Ms. Julia Jefferson, Mr. Robert Golden and Mr. Lucian Truscot (2000). Los Angeles Assistant District Attorney Chris Darden (1996). The Director of News for WWOR/UPN Network, Will Wright (1997). Founder and President of the Jackie Robinson Foundation, Ms. Rachel Robinson (1998).
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relations, not only in the United
States, but worldwide. While we as a diversified nation still
have a long way to go before we achieve true racial equality, it is of
paramount importance that positive actions in this regard be
documented and expanded upon.
