Little Rock, AR – The Arkansas Education Association’s Human and Civil Rights (HCR) Committee is excited to announce Rev. Willie Wade, Jr. and his organization the Difference Makers of Hot Springs as the 2017 Outstanding Individual Award and Organizational Award for Human and Civil Rights Achievements.
Rev. Wade, President and founder of Difference Makers, will be presented with the Outstanding Individual Citizen Award at a breakfast ceremony on Saturday, November 4th, 2017, from 8-9 a.m. at Salon D on the 2nd floor of the DoubleTree Hotel.
Wade and the Difference Makers are being recognized for demonstrating extraordinary vision and leadership in echoing the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. providing inspirational impact on the social issues of equality, justice and the humanitarian movement in the United States.
“The Arkansas Education Association understands that education advocacy and social justice advocacy go hand in hand,” said Curtis Freeman, chair of the HCR Committee. “We are thankful for the opportunity to recognize Rev. Wade and the Difference Makers for their work to lift the voices of those in need and advocate for opportunity for all students, no matter where they live.”
Rev. Wade said the Difference Makers of Hot Springs dedicated 2017 to addressing health disparities and the impact on “Healthy Communities” thru both access and impact of quality care. The Organization held several community health symposiums inviting Arkansas led healthcare organizations including the Arkansas Department of Health, UAMS, Baptist Health, local hospital administrators, and community stakeholders to convene for the first community-sponsored health discussion. This was one of several events to address local issues that impact the health and safety of the community’s underserved population.
Since 1979 the AEA HCR Committee has awarded honors to individuals in education or outside of the profession for a long-term or lifetime dedication to furthering human and civil rights. In 1986, the committee added an award for an individual, local association, or other organization to recognize a singular achievement in promoting human and civil rights.
The Arkansas Education Association is a professional organization for teachers, education support professionals, students and advocates. Our fundamental objective is to work for improved salaries, benefits, and working conditions for all education professionals, as well as for the betterment of the Arkansas state education system.
