We were inspired and touched recently at the annual Ella’s awards ceremony put together by the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights (a BetterWorld customer).
Founded in 1996 by Van Jones and Diana Frappier, the Ella Baker Center unlocks the power of low-income people, people of color, and their allies using grassroots organizing, direct action, media advocacy and legal service. Two examples of their successes include the Books Not Bars campaign and the launch of the Oakland Green Jobs Corps.
The 2012 Ellas were awarded to the following heroes:
Father Greg Boyle, Founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention organization in the nation. Serving at-risk and gang involved youth with a continuum of services and programs, Homeboy Industries also runs four businesses that serve as job-training sites. Father Greg has been an advocate for at-risk and gang-involved youth in Los Angeles, and around the world, for over 25 years.
Rinku Sen, President and Executive Director of Applied Research Center, a racial justice think tank and home for media and activism. ARC is built on rigorous research and creative use of new technology, with a goal of popularizing the need for racial justice and preparing people to fight for it. Rinku is a leading figure in the racial justice movement, combining journalism and activism to make social change.
Mujeres Unidas y Activas. MUA is a grassroots organization of Latina immigrant women with a double mission of promoting personal transformation and building community power for social and economic justice. Since 1989, they have have helped hundreds of women get out of domestic violence, become strong leaders and take an active role in the movement for immigrant’s rights and social and economic justice.
Posted in: Customers Events Giving Back
