Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, Olympian John Carlos honored at COPE Garden Party

Added June 23rd, 2009

Cindy Chavez presented San Jose State track star John Carlos, whose historic rai

Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, CEO of Green For All, and Olympian John Carlos headed the list of award winners Monday night at the South Bay AFL-CIO Labor Council's COPE Garden Party. The event honors those recognized by labor for their values and work for justice and dignity for all.

Ellis-Lamkins was given the Visionary Leadership Award for her work as executive officer of the Labor Council and executive director of Working Partnerships USA. She left those two positions last spring to take over the national leadership of Green For All, a national organization dedicated to building an inclusive green economy, strong enough to lift people out of poverty.

Carlos, a former track star at San Jose State University, electrified the 1968 Mexico City Olympics along with teammate Tommie Smith when they raised gloved fists on the medal platform to protest racism in the United States. He was given a Lifetime Courage Award.

Ash Kalra, elected to the San Jose City Council last November, was named Rookie of the Year.

Also honored were Campaign All-Stars John Comiskey, Omar Torres, Erik Larsen, Fred Hirsch and Carol Garvey for their successful volunteer work in opposing the recall of Madison Nguyen. Special recognition was accorded Unite/Here! Local 19 Hyatt workers, SEIU Local 1877 Cisco janitors, the Interfaith Council on Religion, Race, Economic and Social Justice, the Community Budget Working Group and the City Labor Alliance.

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