LGBT POV

In commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and in celebration of the 25th anniversary of becoming a city, the City of West Hollywood is welcoming nominations from the community for its annual “Keeper of the Dream” award. Anyone who lives in, works in, owns property in, or participates in the West Hollywood community is invited to submit nominations.

The award will honor an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in assisting youth in realizing the utility and cultural aspects of education while aiding them in becoming, as in the words of Dr. King, “…more efficient to achieve with increasing facility the legitimate goals of his (her) life…”

The award will be presented during the City’s MLK commemorative event — “Living the Legacy – Embracing the Dream” — to be held Sunday, January 17, 2010, at 10:00 a.m., at the House of Blues – Sunset Strip.

The “Keeper of the Dream” Award Nomination Form can be downloaded at www.weho.org/specialevents.

Nominations must be received by 5 p.m. Monday, January 4, 2010.

Should you have any questions, please call (323) 848-6354.

Last year West Hollywood City Councilember John Duran was give the honor. Here’s part of what we wrote for IN Los Angeles magazine:

The award’s inscription reads, “For his extraordinary leadership in bringing to light the struggles of various groups in West Hollywood through advocacy for civil and human rights, especially marriage equality. Through his work, he continues to embrace Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy and principles of justice, equality and peace and reminds us that all people are heir to a legacy of dignity.”

Duran also practices LGBT rights and HIV/AIDS law, and serves on the board of directors for Equality California, Wendy’s Hope Advisory Board and American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California and AIDS Project Los Angeles.

To get a sense of why Duran was given this honor – in addition to his activism and accomplishments – please click over to The Bilerico Project where you will find a transcription of Duran’s remarks after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from Equality California.