The Cumberland Center for Justice and Peace (CCJP) will have its annual Awards Banquet at 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Sewanee Community Center. This year’s keynote speaker is Ruhi Jahanpour Hiebert, who will talk about human rights violations and the religious persecution she and her friends endured at the hands of the Iranian regime in power in the early 1980s. After suffering beatings and torture to force her to recant her beliefs, Jahanpour was unexpectedly released. Police returned to arrest her again three days later, but Jahanpour had fled the country. Her 10 cellmates were hung. Last October Jahanpour testified before the International Tribunal for Iran at the Hague.
CCJP will recognize individuals whose work furthers the mission of bringing a measure of justice and peace to the Cumberland Plateau area. CCJP’s 2013 award honorees are:
Michael Grantz (C’13) for his work as an organizer and activist bringing together the University and Sewanee community to “act up” for justice locally, nationally and globally;
Dixon Myers for making home ownership and healthcare more accessible for Cumberland Plateau residents through Housing Sewanee and the Remote Area Medical Clinic; and
Kathleen O’Donohue for promoting justice and peace by working behind the scenes to educate and create liaisons and through her example, raising the awareness of all those whose lives she touches.
Dinner will feature a main course prepared by local caterer Julia Stubblebine. Those attending are encouraged to bring a side dish or dessert. Guests and visitors are welcome and encouraged to join in this community celebration. RSVP appreciated. Contact Leslie Lytle at 598-9979 or email <sllytle@blomand.net>.
CCJP’s mission is to establish and sustain a community of concerned citizens to promote efforts, programs and activities that bring about a measure of peace and justice to the local area, surrounding regions and the world at large.
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