Black Conservative Connerly Honored For Equality Advocacy
by Chad Groening and Jenni Parker
January 28, 2005
(AgapePress) - One of America's most prominent black conservatives has been selected to receive a $250,000 award for his work in promoting equality, democratic capitalism, and the American ideal of succeeding through merit and initiative rather than special preferences.
On February 16, the Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation will honor longtime activist Ward Connerly, the chairman of the California Civil Rights Initiative. Connerly and three other recipients will be presented the awards during a ceremony to be held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday, February 16, 2005.
Michael Grebe, President and CEO of the Bradley Foundation, says Connerly is being recognized for "achievements that are consistent with the mission statement of the Foundation" and for embodying "our legacy of honoring meritorious achievement." In particular the foundation spokesman lauds the great job the honoree has done in educating the public about the need to move beyond racial and gender preferences.
Connerly, founder of the American Civil Rights Institute, is "one of the most respected thinkers and advocates on matters of equality in the United States," Grebe notes. And, he adds, as chairman of the California Civil Rights initiative, the activist successfully organized the Proposition 209 campaign to end preferential treatment in public education, employment and contracting.
Also, the Bradley Foundation president notes, Connerly has been featured prominently in nearly every American news publication and is the author of the autobiographical Creating Equal: My Fight Against Race Preferences. "We believe what he has done, all of his accomplishments, are consistent with our mission statement," Grebe says, "and we're just delighted to have selected him to receive this honor this year."
The foundation head points out that the $250,000 stipend attached to the award comes with no strings or stipulations. "We don't attach any strings to it," he explains, "in part because the tax laws prevent us from doing that -- since we are a private foundation -- but also because we believe the people we select for these kinds of awards don't need to be tied down to a contract. They're the kind of good people who will use the prize for the right purposes."
Grebe points out that his organization's awards program is designed to encourage individuals to strive for excellence in their respective fields. "Here at the Bradley Foundation," he says, "we have an abiding belief in the dignity and decency of each individual, and we feel that people can develop their talents and their intellects and contribute to the improvement of our society -- but only if they exist in an environment that is politically and economically free." And Ward Connerly, through his promotion of racial and gender equality, has truly made significant achievements, Grebe notes.
Connerly and the other honorees were selected to receive the Bradley Prize for Outstanding Achievement based on nominations solicited from more than 100 prominent individuals. The winners were chosen by a selection committee that includes such dignitaries as the Honorable Robert Bork, Pierre S. du Pont, Ambassador Jeanne Kirkpatrick, Thomas Rhodes, Dianne Sehler and Thomas Smallwood.
