Betty Williams, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and founder of Ireland's Community of Peace People, became the third recipient of the Gandhi, King, Ikeda Community Builders Prize at Morehouse College in Atlanta, April 4. Ms. Williams was recognized for her continuous efforts for peace and human rights, especially for women and children who suffer from poverty as victims of conflict.
The ceremony, held in the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, was part of Morehouse's sixth annual Spiritual Awareness Week. The week was driven by three themes: "Being Peace: Universal Spirituality and Visionary Activism"; "A Decade of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World"; and "A Campaign for a World Equal to Our Love and Creativity." The GKI Community Builders Prize ceremony was the grand finale event of the week's activities.
In her acceptance address, titled "Peace in the World Is Everybody's Business," Ms. Williams expressed her appreciation for the award that upholds the spiritual legacy of the three peace builders. Sharing her experiences of a visit to Iraq last December for humanitarian aid, Ms. Williams insisted that those who suffer the most from wars are neither politicians nor military men, but women and children. She expressed her resolve to work even harder for the happiness of all people, especially women and children, embracing the spirit of Gandhi, King and Ikeda.
"I am touched by Ms. Williams' compassion and care for the children," said Hui Naik, an SGI-USA member attending the ceremony. "I am really happy that there is another person like Gandhi and Dr. King promoting peace in the 21st century. I wish that everyone in the world Shared the same goal for peace."
The Gandhi, King, Ikeda Community Builders Prize was established in 2001 jointly by the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel and the Gandhi Center for Reconciliation of Morehouse College. It is given to individuals who exemplify the pacifist ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. and SGI President Ikeda, and who are deemed to be worthy successors and exemplary leaders among global citizens.
"The Gandhi, King, Ikeda Community Builders Prize symbolizes the tradition these giants of humanity share," remarked Dr. Walter Massey, president of Morehouse College. "It is hoped it will inspire and empower every person to take responsibility for the improvement of the human condition."
The first and second recipients of the award are, respectively, His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan, president of the Club of Rome; and Dr. Michael Nobel, board chair of the Nobel Family Society and the Nonviolence Project.
Vincent Jones Jr., a junior at Morehouse, commented that the event "has opened my mind and my heart. In these times of war, I found myself searching for a beacon of hope and a ray of peace."
For more information on Betty Williams' activities for children, please visit www.centersofcompassion.org
Source: World Tribune, May 9, 2003, p.1