Hampton, Va.—The Virginia Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action awarded Virginia Organizing the Bishop Leontine Kelly Social Justice Award at the 232^nd Session of the Virginia Annual Conference of The Methodist Church on Saturday, June 21.

 

Virginia Organizing was chosen because of “the incredible social justice work being done across the Commonwealth” by the organization.

 

Virginia Organizing Chairperson Sandra A. Cook of Petersburg received the award on behalf of Virginia Organizing.

 

“It is truly an honor to receive this award,” said Cook. “Virginia Organizing works hard to raise the voices of directly affected Virginians on social, economic, and environmental justice issues that matter to the people. We are working to create a more just Virginia and this distinguished award helps us know that we are on the right path. None of this work would be possible without the continued support of Virginians like you, who care about these important issues.”

 

Virginia Organizing Treasurer Janice “Jay” Johnson, a Peninsula resident, echoed Cook’s sentiment.

 

“Just as Bishop Leontine Kelly embodied social activism, Virginia Organizing strives to uphold the same principles of non-violence and courage with every action we take,” said Johnson. “In the spirit of Bishop Kelly, and other Methodist leaders, Virginia Organizing stood for immigration reform and five of us were arrested with 12 others in Washington, D.C. This award is encouragement to continue to act with boldness.”

 

The award was presented at the Virginia Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action’s banquet in Hampton, Va.

 

To interview a spokesperson for Virginia Organizing, please contact Amanda Pohl at 804-337-1912 or amanda@virginia-organizing.org.