Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
By Brooklyn White, Essence
Every year, The King Center in Atlanta leads the nationwide observance of the national holiday?commemorating the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. One of the marquee events of the King Center’s week-long holiday experience will be the “Beloved Community?Awards” (formerly “The Salute to Greatness” Award). The Beloved Community Awards?recognizes international individuals and organizations that?exemplify excellence in leadership; pursue the universal quest for social justice and worldwide?peace in the tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and have made notable strides toward improving the quality of life for all. In addition to the “Beloved Community Awards”, the King Center presents a number of other awards in honor of Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Mrs. Christine King Farris and Yolanda King, all of whom have made tremendous contributions to our world house.
Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole has been chosen to receive the Soul of a Nation Award, which recognizes her as phenomenal woman leader who embodies the spirit of Mrs. Coretta Scott King’s quote, “Women, if the soul of the nation is to be saved, I believe that you must become its soul.” She is recognized for a life as an extraordinary servant leader who is empowering women throughout our nation and the world. Her career accomplishments, including those at Spelman College, Bennett College, and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), have helped numerous women to achieve higher levels of learning and success. Through her current work with the NCNW, the commitment to preparing and emboldening the next generation of women aligns with The King Center’s work of creating the Beloved Community, a more just, equitable, and peaceful world, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Her tireless fight for diversity and gender equality is helping to raise the consciousness of corporate America. Her passion for encouraging seasoned leaders, known as “Roots” to mentor younger generations of leaders, whom she affectionately refers to as “Wings” embodies the essence of the Soul of a Nation.
About NCNW
National Council of Negro Women is a Washington, D.C.-based charitable organization making a difference in the lives of women, children, and families through a four-pronged strategy that emphasizes entrepreneurship, health equity, STEAM education and civic engagement. Founded nearly 85 years ago, NCNW has 290 community and campus bases sections and thirty-two national affiliates representing more than Two Million women and men. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, Ph.D., is the seventh President of NCNW. For more information, please visit www.ncnw.org.or the brand’s social channels via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn.
