MLK program honors five community leaders

The program will feature a keynote address by the CEO of the United Negro College fund. Although Martin Luther King Day has officially passed, Penn continues to celebrate the slain leader's legacy with tributes and celebrations. Tonight marks one of the highlights of the two-week long series of events, the MLK Interfaith program. The centerpiece of the program -- which will feature several musical performances and an award ceremony -- will be a keynote speech by William Gray, president and CEO of the United Negro College Fund. University Chaplain William Gipson said Gray is the perfect person to evoke King's spirit. "Reverend Gray represents? how a person whose identity is as a religious leader is in many ways involved in public life," Gipson said. Gray has headed the UNCF since 1991. He is distinguished for being the highest-ranking African American ever to serve in Congress and for serving as envoy to Haitian President Jean-Baptiste Aristide. Along with his work in raising over $500 million for the UNCF, he is also pastor of the Bright Hope Baptist Church of Philadelphia. "We thought he represents in a very fine fashion the King legacy in our day," Gipson said, citing Gray's many accomplishments. "We're fortunate to have him." The event, scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Annenberg Center, will also feature performances by R'nanah and the New Spirit of Penn and remarks from President Judith Rodin. Another highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Involvement Awards. Five recipients -- students, faculty, staff and community members -- have been chosen for the honor. Jack Lewis, chairman of the MLK Executive Planning Committee, said the awards targeted those who exhibited "community involvement above and beyond their typical jobs." The recipients were nominated by their peers and then selected by the committee. "[King] was such a powerful man," said College senior Chaz Howard, one of the award recipients. Howard, the former United Minorities Council chairman, is being recognized for his work with the UMC, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and the West Philadelphia community. "I don't know if I'm fit to receive that kind of an award, although I'm extremely grateful and honored," he said. Center of Community Partnerships Director Ira Harkavy is being honored for his work in education, particularly with surrounding public schools. "My activism has certainly been inspired by [King]," Harkavy said, adding that he was involved in the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Also being honored tonight is University Police Sergeant John Wylie for his contributions to safety and defense education. Two members of the surrounding community are also being given the award. Brenda Cooper-Cutts will receive recognition for her work with the homeless and K. Rose Samuel-Evans for her service to the community. "We're very proud that these are the people who have really made a difference," said Glenn Bryan, Penn's director of community relations. Bryan added, "[These people are being recognized for] combating racism, promoting diversity, dealing with the disenfranchised? and contributing mightily to social change." Today's event is sponsored by the Office of the Chaplain, Penn Student Interfaith Council and the Penn Religious Communities Council.