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Youth

National Association of Social Workers Honors Clementina Chery with Public Citizen of the Year Award

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has named Clementina Chery its Public Citizen of the Year, recognizing her tireless advocacy for peace in struggling neighborhoods. Ms. Chery's work is centered around the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, which she co-founded with her husband Joseph in 1994 to carry on their son's legacy of preventing violence. The Institute has implemented various programs, including the Louis D. Brown Peace Curriculum for K-12 students, which has been commended by U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno for contributing to Boston's reduction in juvenile crime.

Key Takeaways:

  • Clementina Chery is the president and CEO of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute in Dorchester, MA, and has been recognized for her advocacy work in preventing youth and gang violence.
  • The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute was founded in 1994 by Ms. Chery and her husband Joseph, following the tragic loss of their son Louis, who was shot and killed at 15 years old.
  • The Institute offers various programs, including the Louis D. Brown Peace Curriculum, which helps young people avoid violence by instilling values and creating activities that enrich their community.
  • The program has been recognized for its effectiveness, including a commendation from U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno in 1996 for contributing to Boston's reduction in juvenile crime.
  • Ms. Chery has received numerous awards for her work, including the Lady in the Order of St. Gregory the Great, the Search for Common Ground 2001 International Service Award, and the American Red Cross 1998 Clara Barton Humanitarian Award.
  • The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers, with 145,000 members, and promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers.

Statistics:

  • 145,000: The number of members in the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
  • 1993: The year Louis D. Brown was shot and killed, which led to the founding of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute.
  • 1994: The year the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute was founded by Ms. Chery and her husband Joseph.
  • 1996: The year U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno commended the Louis D. Brown Peace Curriculum for its contribution to Boston's reduction in juvenile crime.
  • 1998: The year Ms. Chery received the American Red Cross Clara Barton Humanitarian Award.
  • 2001: The year Ms. Chery received the Search for Common Ground International Service Award.

Sources:

  • National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
  • Louis D. Brown Peace Institute
  • U.S. Department of Justice
  • American Red Cross
  • Search for Common Ground

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