Congresswoman Lee Receives Rev. Edwin T. Dahlberg Peace and Justice Award, the American Baptist Churches USA’s Highest Recognition
Overland Park, KS – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee received the Rev. Edwin T. Dahlberg Peace and Justice Award, the American Baptist Churches USA’s highest recognition.
“I thank American Baptist Churches USA for this tremendous honor and for welcoming me to their Biennial Mission Summit. Their dedication to advancing social justice and peace in their communities, in our nation and around the world is truly a testament to their faith and dedication to improving the lives of the most vulnerable,” added Congresswoman Lee.
The award is named for the Rev. Edwin T. Dahlberg, who was ordained in 1918. He served as President of the American Baptist Churches USA (1946-1947), president of the National Council of Churches of Christ USA (1957-1960) and helped to found that Fellowship of Reconciliation and the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America. He was a recipient of the prestigious Gandhi Peace Award.
“I am truly humbled to receive the Rev. Edwin T. Dahlberg award. Throughout his life, Rev. Dahlberg was a passionate advocate for social justice and peace. His legacy and work continues in the tireless efforts of the American Baptist Churches USA to build a more just and peaceful world,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee.
The award was presented at the American Baptist Churches USA’s Biennial Mission Summit in Overland Park, Kansas by Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III, Executive Director of American Baptist Home Mission Societies and Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Jr., senior pastor of Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland, California.
Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III, Executive Director of American Baptist Home Mission Societies added: “Representative Lee is an outspoken champion for the marginalized and those longing for peace and hungering for justice. American Baptists applaud her for having the courage of her convictions, tirelessly stepping up to prevent gun violence, protect jobs, improve the economy, reform the criminal justice system and provide affordable, quality health care for all. Her faith propels her to work for comprehensive immigration reform, equality for same-sex families and global cooperation toward peace and justice. She is a person of integrity and incredible courage. She epitomizes the values of the Edwin T. Dahlberg Peace and Justice Award.”
Previous award winners include President Jimmy Carter, Marian Wright Edelman, Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) and inaugural recipient Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1964.
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Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Whip’s Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity.