CT/VICTORIA PARKS

Award winners at the St. Mark event are, from left, John Jones, James Curtis Standifer, Dr. Roland McGoodwin, Dwight Tillery, Dionne Thompson, Jesuit Father James W. Hasse, Katy Heins, Rachael Fair, Tony Pack and Richard G. Bedgood Sr. Posing with the group on the far right is Precious Blood Brother Hugh Henderson.

St. Mark Parish celebrates 8th King awards

By Victoria Parks

ST. FRANCIS DE SALES DEANERY — St. Mark Catholic Church in Evanston celebrated its 8th Annual "Keep The Dream Alive" celebration in January. Their theme this year was "Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. — Peaceful Warrior."

Marcia J. Allen, chairperson of the event noted that, "Peace is the evidence of the spirit of God working in our lives. Our committee, with the community’s help, is given the task of identifying individuals in the community who demonstrate and exemplify the precepts and philosophy expounded by the civil rights leader in his quest for peace, justice and equality through non-violent protest. Our honorees are indeed gifts to us from God because they acknowledge and utilize their spiritual gifts, talents and resources. They use their time to build up and benefit the community."

Sister of Notrre Dame de Namur Sister Teresita Weind, keynote speaker at the gathering, shared her reflections: "The honorees continue the mission of Jesus Christ that was embodied in Martin Luther King. It is our turn to live in the present with the hope that allows future generations to dream and hope and keep the dream alive."

The recipients of the prestigious award include:

Richard G. Bedgood, who works with youth of all ages instilling cultural values while providing tutoring and athletic services. Bedgood started the Springfield Township Youth Association and developed and expanded the Saint Mark Catholic School sports and fundraising program.

Rachael Fair and Tony Pack, who established The Inner City Tennis Project in 1988 to provide an affordable tennis experience to children in Greater Cincinnati, with an emphasis on increasing participation of inner city youth. Fair and Pack are former co-workers, retired from the Cincinnati Recreation Commission, professional tennis instructors and members of the Professional Tennis Registry. The pair has worked an incalculable amount of volunteer hours to foster a sense of personal and community responsibility for each child. Through the years they have provided the youth with information and tools to avoid the pitfalls of substance abuse and violence.

Jesuit Father James W. Hasse has ministered in African American parishes in Chicago, Detroit, Columbus and Cincinnati for more than 40 years. The Josephite calendars have featured his painting for the past four years. Father Hasse believes that we are the body of Christ, and he attempts to give visual expression to these realities in his art.

Katy Heins, dedicated activist and advocate for the underserved and oppressed, serves in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati. A member of the Homeless Coalition and "Take Off the Boards Movement," she has fought courageously for issues affecting the poor, homeless and the working poor. Her passion for peace and justice is proven by her involvement organizing Ohio’s ‘Let Justice Roll’ and the Ohio Empowerment Coalition, a statewide campaign to raise state and federal level minimum wages.

John Jones is a faithful, dedicated and devoted parishioner and staff member at St Andrew Church in Avondale. His sincerity shines through as he interacts with the staff, members and youth at church and also in his community. As an advocate for peaceful change, Jones mentors youth, is a founding member of the St. Andrew’s Men’s Group and is an Amos Project board member.

Dr. Roland McGoodwin is dedicated to the community and has provided discounted dental services to inner-city patients with limited income. In addition, the dentist annually provides free services to selected persons in need of urgent dental services. McGoodwin holds a special interest in mentoring young African American males, has organized scholarships that has provided an education for many young men who have gone on to become community leaders themselves. He is an Army veteran and most recently was activated to serve in Operation Desert Storm.

James Curtis Standifer works with African American youth, providing the tools necessary for them to reach their full potential. He feels that as an African American man he has a responsibility to be a positive role model for all of the children within his community. His focus is to awaken the spirits in young males that will help them to affirm themselves through the recognition of their African American culture and rich heritage. Standifer developed the curriculum for the African Rite of Passage Program in Cincinnati. Through this program, he has coached hundreds of youth transitioning from one life stage to another. Many living in dysfunctional situations, participants in gangs, involved in violence, substance abuse and truancy activities.

Dionne Mason Thompson, principal and parishioner at St. Joseph School in the West End of Cincinnati, is a gifted and talented administrator who has made a difference in the lives of the students she serves.

Dwight Tillery, former Cincinnati mayor, was the first African American elected mayor by popular vote in Cincinnati. His platform focused on children, minorities and the underserved citizen of the city. Recently, Tillery launched "Closing the Health Gap," an organization that aims to eliminate racial and health disparities in Greater Cincinnati through advocacy, education and community outreach.