Posted January 20, 20154:52 pm
Cleveland Public Library (CPL) awarded The 2015 Drum Major for Change Award to The Legal Aid Society at the 30th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Program on January 19, 2015 at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch of CPL.
“In selecting a recipient for this award, we look at who is actively participating in issues related to social justice and honoring the legacy of Dr. King with their work in the community,” said Felton Thomas, executive director of CPL. “We are fortunate that The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland donates their time and talent to our patrons at free legal advice clinics throughout our neighborhood branches.”
This is the second time CPL has presented the award. Last year, Kenneth Hale, Executive Director of Early College and Outreach Programs at Cuyahoga Community College, received the inaugural award for his work in the community. The award honors Dr. King’s call for change and celebrates how each generation echoes his drum beat for change while composing its own dreams for a better future.
“At Legal Aid, we are proud of our 110-year history of ensuring equal access to justice for all, and we are honored to have a close partnership with CPL as we fulfill our mutual mission of serving the community,” said Melanie A. Shakarian, Director of Development and Communications for The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland. It is special to be recognized by CPL in this way, especially as it is presented in memory of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”