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WHEREAS, the Spirit of King Award was established in 1989 by the Kingsley Association, Port Authority and the Pittsburgh Pirates to honor the lifetime achievements of local citizens who pursue human rights and equality in the spirit of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and,
WHEREAS, the Spirit of King Award has evolved from the planting of a pink dogwood tree, symbolizing eternal life, to a parklet and the installation of plaques honoring the recipients; and,
WHEREAS, the Spirit of King Award has been bestowed upon 27 honorees since 1990 and has honored athletes, civil rights activists, physicians, musicians, educators and elected officials and is proud to honor Mamie H. Lee and Richard F. Jones, Esq. as the 2008 recipients of the Spirit of King Award to be given at an event and ceremony to be held on January 10, 2008, at Kingsley Center; and,
WHEREAS, Mamie H. Lee was born, raised and educated in Pittsburgh and served her community by advocating for prisoners' rights in the 1970s, being the first African American woman to run for County wide office and was Director of Aging Services for the Lutheran Services Society of Western PA, Service Coordinator for Meal on Wheels of Allegheny County and ultimately the President of the national Meals on Wheels Programs, receiving an extended term and being honored posthumously in Washington, D.C. in recognition of her service as a civil servant and her concern for the greater good of society; and,
WHEREAS, Richard F. Jones, Esq. was born in Lynchburg, VA, in 1899, and raised and educated in Pittsburgh where he distinguished himself academically and professionally, using his gifts as a trial lawyer to obtain recognition of the civil rights of all citizens. He is renowned for his participation in the hiring of African American teachers in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, the hiring of African American workers in defense industries and government following WWII and the opening of the Highland Park Pool to...
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