HOLLAND, MI (WHTC) – The city of Holland’s Human Relations Commission handed out the Social Justice Awards and awarded the first recipients of the Martin Luther King, “I Have A Dream” essay Competitions.
The Human Relations Committee recognizes individuals and organizations who exemplify the virtues of social justice by promoting equal opportunity and equal access for residents of Holland. The recipient of the 2016 Social Justice Award went to Spartan Nash/Family Fare Supermarkets. Debra Cross, manager of Diversity, Deann Wright, Spartan Nash District Manager and Mike Lipscomb, South Washington’s Family Fare’s Store Director were on hand to pick up the awards. Spartan Nash/Family Fare was recognized for their commitment to employ and offer employment opportunities to veterans and persons with disabilities.
The recipient of the Youth 2016 Social Justice Awards went to Jesse Lynn, a senior at West Ottawa High School. Lynn was responsible for organizing a peaceful protest in November at Centennial Park.
The year also marked the first of an annual Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest where area students are encouraged to submit an essay. Holland High’s Raya VonPlagenhoek and Jaeha Han of West Ottawa High School were the recipients of the “I Have A Dream” essay competition.
