The Church in Ocean Park cordially invites everyone in the community to attend the 14th Annual Communitas Awards.

This year’s awards are especially significant as they are honoring three individuals for their commitment to social change. All three have been very active in the work for social justice on the Santa Monica High campus and in the surrounding community.

You may recall Santa Monica High School students Jessica Walker and Waverly Nebedum. They addressed the Committee for Racial Justice about a year ago, and as they described the racial climate on the campus being both overtly and covertly hostile, they inspired their audience to become involved. Throughout the year, they worked to educate the community, their peers and instructors on “micro-aggressions” and cultural competency.

These two fine young women will be presented with the Emerging Leaders Award during at the celebration.

One of the recipients of the Communitas Award is Bob Gordh, Ph.D. a teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District and an active member of the Committee for Racial Justice. Bob has taught for over 25 years — most of the time in inner-city schools. He has dedicated his life to instructing students in a way that honors their culture and intellect, while encouraging them to aim high. This year Bob became involved with several organizations that focused on developing anti-racist environments. He’s led two book groups on Mass Incarceration and has provided leadership on the Committee for Racial Justice’s Mass Incarceration Sub-committee.

Communitas will also honor the community activism of Betty Macias. A Senior Analyst for the City of Santa Monica, she has been instrumental in the development of a multitude of city projects — youth service funding initiatives, launching the new Virginia Avenue Park; and partnering with non-profit agencies and communities to serve youth and families in the Pico neighborhood.

As former Associate Executive Director of Ocean Park Community Center (OPCC), she served Santa Monica low-income and homeless families, working with others to develop programs that were innovative and at the forefront of social services, creating shelters and outreach teams, including Daybreak Shelter for homeless mentally ill women. Betty is also a powerful singer and performer in the WIMS improv group and as special soloist at community events.

Please attend Communitas on Saturday, September 8, to honor these outstanding individuals for their devotion, strength and courage.

Their work and the work of the Committee for Racial Justice are profoundly important and vital in making Santa Monica a community in which everyone participates and is enriched
by his or her experience.

The celebration will include an outdoor buffet dinner and entertainment led by The Church in Ocean Park Choir, Maranatha Church Choir of Inglewood, and singer/guitarist Steve Anter. Adaawe, a dynamic female group of percussionists and singers, will give a special performance featuring West African music.

Tickets are $65 ($25 for low income). You can purchase tickets in advance by contacting the church 310-399-1631 or you can buy them at the
door.

Please RSVP to the Church in Ocean Park, 235 Hill Street, Santa Monica 90405, 310 399 1631, and please bring guests.