Association Awards for World Harmony

Jan 14, 2005

Church Center for the U.N.

In a world of crisis and turmoil, the New York Metropolitan Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolence recognizes that its responsibility as an NGO of the United Nations is to promote the activities and purposes of the UN and to foster initiatives that complement these goals. NYMLK participates in UN sponsored activities and promotes the UN initiatives through various NYMLK outlets. It seeks to highlight the significant accomplishments of the United Nations and individuals who promote its aims. With this in mind, NYMLK is collaborating with the Harlem Arts Alliance to recognize Fannie Munlin and Sherrill Kazan, who have been very active as NGO representatives and have both chaired past Annual NGO Conferences. Mr.Katsuya Abe has done much to promote cultural and ethnic interaction between various groups throughout the United States, Japan, South Africa and other parts of the world.

The honorees for the night have all made significant contributions in fostering world harmony. They represent the best qualities of the human spirit as they have continually sought out ways to improve the lives and circumstances of others

This event was one intended to recognize those who take a stand for world peace, and have demonstrated their stance on numerous occasions throughout the past. It was opened by Cliff Frazier, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolence.

After the opener, there was a beautiful music selection by the Voices of Praise choir, based out of Mariner’s Temple Baptist Church. They did, indeed, sing beautifully, and yes, as they sang, I believe the storm will pass.

Paul Hoeffel, the Chief of the NGO Section of the U.N. Department of Public Information, was introduced by Cliff Frazier, and spoke extensively about the world peace mission and how NGO’s are playing a major part in the venture.

There was then another beautiful musical selection by the Voices of Praise choir, after which the honorees received their awards.

The first of the honorees was Fannie Munlin, of the National Council of Negro Women. Who is the Main Representatvie to the United Nations, and who works with its more than 90 community-based organizations with the Tri-State area. Ms. Munlin is a Representative to the United Nations. She spoke about what it means to play a vital role in the establishment of world peace, and mentioned that NGO’s are the only way of eliminating violence in the world, using a non-violent approach.

The next honoree to be awarded was Katsuya Abe, President of Overseas Promotions, Inc. Mr. Abe has, for the past thirty years, been a pioneer of promoting cultural and educational exchange, particularly between the American minority groups and Japan. He co-partnered with Byron Lewis in 1988 and formed the first joint-partnership, Uniworld Overseas. Mr. Abe spoke also about how valuable it is to be part of the movement for world peace and how each of us can do our part toward the common goal of helping to rid the world of violence and promote peace.

Sherrill Kazan Alvarez de Toledo was the next honoree. Ms. Kazan has represented two international organizations to the United Nations for more than twenty years. She is the President of the World Council of People for the United Nations and Vice President of the Mexican Academy of International Law. She has served on the NGO/DPI executive committee in many capacities. Ms. Kazan spoke about some of the issues pertaining to violence in the world. She gave a most interesting speech, and thanked everyone for their participation.

After the honorees received their awards, Joey Morant, named Instrumentalist of the Year, from the Harlem Jazz & Music Festival, 2003, came up and played the trumpet most beautifully. There were three songs, which he played, my favorite was the second one, which was about faithfulness.

There was a nice gathering, and a delicious dinner served as well. We at Liberty News Online Magazine would like to thank Mr. Voza Rivers, Chairman of the Harlem Arts Alliance, for having invited us to this wonderful event.

Abbey H. Muneer is the Executive Director of H.A.D. Organization of New York City, Inc., a world-famous athlete, author and, above all, a humanitarian. Abbey will write articles about charity events, benefits, fundraisers and galas which are raising money for humantiarian causes. If you are interested in having Abbey and one his staff members cover one of your charity events, benefits, fundraisers or galas, feel free to notify us one week in advance, at LNEvents@hadofnyc.org, or telephone us at (718) 507-7616, between the hours of 8:00am and 8:00pm e.s.t. and ask to speak to Abbey or Maria. If you would like more information, or would like to have Liberty News Online Magazine consult your next charitable event, please feel free to visit our website, at http://www.hadofnyc.org/store/success.html, email us at humanitarians@hadofnyc.org, or telephone our hotline, at (718) 507-7616, between the hours of 8:00am and 8:00pm e.s.t. (U.S.A.)