The Ella Baker Center for Human Rights will be hosting its 4th Annual Ella Awards on October 14, 2010 at the PM The Scottish Rite Center (1520 Lakeside Drive Oakland, CA 94612.)  6:00 PM - 9:00pm. The famed social justice institution will be honoring three Bay Area innovators.

• Eva Jefferson Paterson is the President and a founder of Equal Justice Society, a national organization dedicated to changing the law through progressive legal theory, public policy and practice.
• Mandela Foods Cooperative is West Oakland's first locally-owned and operated full-service grocery store and nutrition education center.
• Nicole Lee, Executive Director of Urban Peace Movement, focused on transforming violence in Oakland through urban, youth culture.

This year, The Ella Baker Center will also be introducing the Van Jones Scholarship Award to a young community member who demonstrates an unrelenting commitment to social justice with plans to continue his/her education.

“Once a year, the Ella Baker Center joins the community in honoring the triumphs of the center and the citizen leaders who have brought so much hope and inspiration to our world,” said Ella Baker Center Executive Director Jakada Imani, “By honoring inspiring leaders and offering an event built on celebration and hope, this event has become a feel-good, can’t-miss annual party.”

For 14 years, the Ella Baker Center has organized people-powered campaigns that generate opportunities, promote peace, and work for justice in Oakland and beyond. Through organizing, political education, leadership development and advocacy, The Ella Baker Center unlocks the power of young people, communities of color, working people, and low-income communities to transform California and inspire the world.

To speak with any of the awardees, organizers of the gala, or to rsvp attendance as media at the event please contact: Abel Habtegeorgis abel@ellabakercenter.org 510-285-8232

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