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TEEN
YOUTH LEADER AWARDED WITH
2010
PROMOTING INCLUSIVENESS AWARD
OVER 500 PEOPLE TURN OUT
TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
By
Ed and Bette Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet
 GLENDALE, Ariz. -- In celebration of the life and the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the city of Glendale’s 2010 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Day luncheon paid tribute to King’s legacy and announced the winner of Glendale’s 2010 Promoting Inclusiveness Award recipient. Chris Gossett, a teen coordinator at the Glendale Swift Kids Boys and Girls Club in Glendale received the annual award.
For more than 10 years, Gossett has been a leader with local teens, working with them to reach their full potential in life. Gossett was nominated for exemplifying the values and vision of Dr. King tough his work with young people. He is affectionately known as “Dad” to countless young adults and teens across Maricopa
County.
Chris Gossett - Photo by Ed Sharpe)
Over 500 people attended the luncheon, including city officials, business
owners, community leaders and local
residents at the Glendale Civic Center, which was coordinated by Glendale’s Diversity Committee and community members.
The luncheon emceed
by ABC15's 4 p.m. co-anchor Susan Casper, featured Dr. Matthew
C. Whitaker, Associate Professor at Arizona State University
and the recipient of the 2009 Promoting Inclusiveness Award.
In addition, Dr. Whitaker was the recipient of the City of Glendale’s 2009 Promoting Inclusiveness Award, which honors individuals that exemplify the vision and values of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Chris
Gossett -
Photo by Ed Sharpe)
Chris Gossett, after receiving his award, Gives his mother, Tina Gossett,
a kiss and presents it to her to hold -------------------
Photo by Ed Sharpe
 Music and entertainment was provided by the Apollo High School Vocal Ensemble, New Testament Gospel Group and Las Artes de Maricopa showcased a special art display.
In a special
special treat for everyone, luncheon guests were treated to a special tribute video,
put together by Bill Meyer of Glendale 11,
featured community members and city employees discussing diversity in their lives and footage of a variety of Dr. King’s speeches.
Dr. Matthew
C. Whitaker - Photo by Ed Sharpe)
It was commented
that in the early days it was primary just city
employees at the function, but now, large sections of
the room were filled with residents.
City council and employees listen
-
Photo by Ed Sharpe)
Mayor Elaine Scruggs -Opening Remarks -
Photo by Ed Sharpe)
 Glendale's Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Day Luncheon is one of the
state’s premier celebrations of Dr. King’s life and the
ideals his name so symbolically represents and demonstrates
Glendale’s commitment to create a society that is more just,
peaceful and understanding.
"This event has grown so much and it's obvious that we're going to have to move," said Glendale City Manager Ed Beasley.
Tina
Gossett admires her son's award....-
Photos by Ed Sharpe)
 Music and entertainment was provided by the Apollo High School Vocal Ensemble, New Testament Gospel Group and Las Artes de Maricopa showcased a special art display. In addition, luncheon guests were treated to a special tribute video,
put together by Bill Meyer of Glendale 11,
featured community members and city employees discussing diversity in their lives and footage of a variety of Dr. King’s speeches.
Tickets for the event, open to the public,
were only $40 per person.
Above: Bill Meyer cues the lights to dim for
the showing of his video
- Photo by Ed Sharpe)
Las Artes de Maricopa -
Photo by Ed Sharpe)
(photo by Bette Sharpe)
Donald Logan - Diversity
Administrator,
City of Glendale-
Photos by Ed Sharpe) |
(Photo
- Mayor Elaine Scruggs of Glendale Arizona and Mr.
Christopher Gossett – 2010 Glendale Unity Day Promoting Inclusiveness Award
Recipient
- Photo by Ed Sharpe
|
Doug
Kukino Director, Environmental Resources,
City of Glendale
Kristen
Krey Supervisor, Council
Administrators City of Glendale
|
Susan Casper of the ABC15 News and event
emcee and Mr.
Christopher Gossett – 2010 Glendale Unity Day Promoting Inclusiveness Award
Recipient
- Photo by Ed Sharpe)
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Las Artes de Maricopa
mural - Photo by Ed
Sharpe) |
Brent
Stoddard, Director of Intergovernmental Programs,
City of Glendale Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs and Reprehensive
Debbie Lesko |
Good afternoon,
As Chair of the City of Glendale Diversity Committee, it is an honor to introduce the recipient of the 2010 “Promoting Inclusiveness Award.”
First I would like to congratulate all of the 2010 nominees for this award and thank the nominating committee for their time and participation in the award process.
Each year during this event, the City of Glendale recognizes one individual who promotes inclusiveness in the community and exhibits the beliefs and qualities that are consistent with those that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr lived by and advocated for. This is an opportunity for us to honor the accomplishments and important contributions of those in our community who keep the vision of Dr. King alive.
This year’s recipient not only exhibits the beliefs of Dr. King in his own life, but also passes these values on to the youth of our community in many ways.
Quoting from the nomination form, “As teen program coordinator at the Boys and Girls Club of Metropolitan Phoenix, he connects with youth and helps them to understand their worth and the importance of their contributions to others.”
Under his leadership, Boys and Girls Club members organized or participated in numerous functions that serve the community including involvement in September 11 Firefighter Appreciation activities and a shoe drive for kids in Africa. He has also organized “Teen Summits” that include topics ranging from drug awareness to college recruitment.
In addition, our recipient is advisor for the Keystone Club, a teen leadership program, where he has made a great impact. This club’s mission is to “ inspire and enable youth in our community, especially those faced with difficult and challenging circumstances, to realize their potential while learning responsible citizenship” certainly upholds the vision of Dr. King.
Dr. King said, “We must combine the toughness of the serpent with the softness of the dove, a tough mind and a tender heart.” These words describe many who dedicate their lives to our youth, and it certainly describes our recipient.
The teens he works with tell us “He’s always available, whether it’s finding us money to pay for college or just being there to talk.” And “He is our example of a great mentor.”
I am honored to introduce someone who understands the importance of reaching out to teens, feeding their dreams and encouraging them to reach their full potential. The winner of Glendale’s “2010 Promoting Inclusiveness Award” is:
Christopher Gossett!
Dr.
MATTHEW WHITAKER – Keynote Speaker
 Dr.
Matthew Whitaker is an award winning teacher, activist, and
rising voice among national intellectuals in the United
States. His commentaries on the intersection of race,
class, gender, presidential politics, civil and human rights,
and U.S. /African relations have appeared on National Public
Radio (NPR), Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and various
newspapers and other media outlets to impact the community.
He’s the author of “Race Work: The Rise of Civil Rights in
the Urban West”, and has written articles that advocate
equality and have appeared in many scholarly journals and
encyclopedias.
- Photo by Ed Sharpe)
Dr.
Whitaker is an Associate Professor of History and Affiliate of
the African and African American Studies Program, and School
of Justice and Social Inquiry at Arizona State University in
Tempe, Arizona. He is a highly sought after speaker,
writer, and consultant, whose accomplishments are exceptional
in our ever-changing society. Dr. Whitaker was the
recipient of the City of Glendale’s 2009 Promoting
Inclusiveness Award, which honors individuals that exemplify
the vision and values of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
SUSAN
CASPER – Emcee
 Ms.
Susan Casper is an award-winning, Multi-Media journalist who
has been a member of the ABC15 News team since October 2008.
Ms. Casper’s thirteen years of experience include the
distinction of being the first African American woman to
anchor a primetime newscast in Tampa, Florida. Ms.
Casper also served as President of Tampa’s National
Association of Black Journalists, Executive Board Member of
the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Suncoast and she was selected
as a Youth Mentor by the Florida Attorney General’s Office.
Ms. Casper has earned numerous journalism accolades and awards
including co-anchor for Best Spot News by the Associated Press
in 2003. Ms. Casper earned a B.A. Degree in Broadcast
Journalism and a minor in English Literature from the
University of West Florida in Pensacola. While at UWF, she won
the University’s first national journalism award from the
Society of Professional Journalists. Ms. Casper works
tirelessly in the community as a motivational speaker and
volunteer. She has received countless outstanding
leadership awards including recognition from the National
Urban League and NAACP chapters.
(Photo
- L - SUSAN
CASPER – Emcee R- Mr.
Christopher Gossett
– 2010 Glendale Unity Day Promoting Inclusiveness Award
Recipient - Photo by Ed Sharpe)
MR
CHRISTOPHER GOSSETT – Promoting Inclusiveness Award
Recipient
Mr.
Christopher Gossett is a Teen Coordinator at the Glendale
Swift Kids Boys and Girls Club in Glendale, Arizona. Mr.
Gossett has over 10 years of experience connecting with teens
and helping them understand their worth and the importance of
their contribution to others. Mr. Gossett attended the
Boys and Girls Clubs as a child, and understands the
importance and significance of reaching out to teens and
youth, making them feel important and worthy, and encouraging
them to reach their full potential. Mr. Gossett cares
deeply for the youth of today and tomorrow, and is committed
to helping them fulfill their dreams. He makes himself
available, and is affectionately known as “Dad” to
countless young adults and teens across Maricopa County.
Mr. Gossett exemplifies the values and vision of Dr. King.
Special
thanks to the Apollo High School Vocal Ensemble, The New
Testament Gospel Group, Chaplain Richard Tatum, Glendale
Police and Fire Honor Guards, Las Artes
de Maricopa,
Glendale Civic Center and Fabulous Foods
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