MS. SHELLYE DAVIS’ STATEMENT

Executive Vice President Davis said: “I am profoundly honored, humbled, and blessed to accept this World Peace Prize award of ‘Roving Ambassador for Peace. ‘It is great to receive an award of this magnitude on behalf of all those who have stood with me on this journey.  Words cannot begin to translate what this means to me personally. But I try to be a beacon of light and hope for those who fight for equality and justice day after day. We all deserve to be treated fairly and have a seat at the table. I have made every attempt possible to be a voice for others who have been silenced. 
 
I believe social justice is a key component to achieve peace. I have seen firsthand that solidarity is ‘a must’ to stimulate justice.  No matter what part we play, just as every knit in a sweater is equally important, we can only make an impact together. As I child, I was fortunate to have loving parents, Vernal Davis and Alice Davis, who were advocates for education and being of service to others.  They instilled in me the mantra: ‘We do what we can when we can.’  When others have done all they can, we pick up the mantle and carry it because as it stated in 1 Corinthians 13:13, NKJV:’- And now abide faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.’ 
 
I have faith that we can do it. I work with the hope that together we can change any injustice.  When I see an opportunity to be of service, I do it in love because I know it will make a difference.  Our future depends on being active and present now. I am deeply grateful to Fr. Sean McManus and Barbara Flaherty— also a Judge on the Awarding Council and Chairperson of the World Peace Prize Presentation Ceremony— for this World Peace Prize award.”