National Conflict Resolution Center 33rd Annual Peacemaker Awards “A Path Forward”

The 33 rd Annual Peacemaker Awards of the National Conflict Resolution Center were held virtually on Saturday, May 15, 2021. The event began with jazz music with Charles McPherson. A Path Forward continues NCRC’s work of nearly 40 years: eradicating hate, intolerance and incivility by breaking down barriers and starting the conversations that can lead to greater understanding and healing. Examples of the work of NCRC include a series of community conversations that were initiated to bring strangers together in restorative circles to talk and to heal. Because of the pandemic, people nationwide were able to come together to discuss current issues. The local Peacemaker Award was introduced and presented by Dr. Marian Kim-Phelps, Superintendent of the Poway Unified School District, to Ekene and Nene Okolo. These remarkable young women created the program “Black in Poway” that became part of the curriculum in the Poway school district. The Philanthropy Award was introduced by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and was presented to: Beth Sirull, Jewish Community Foundation; Christy Wilson, Rancho Santa Fe Foundation and Mark Stuart, San Diego Foundation. The National Peacemaker Award Recipient was Dr. Anthony Fauci. This award was introduced by Dr. Wilma Wooten, San Diego’s public health officer and recipient of the 2020 San Diegan of the Year. Dr. Fauci shared his experience working under seven presidents and especially his experience of peace-making during the AIDS epidemic.