ANNUAL PEACE CENTER DINNER NOVEMBER 15TH

The Western New York Peace Center is proud to announce our 57th Annual Dinner, themed: “The Restoration of Our Sacred Mother Earth.”

This year’s event will be highlighted by keynote speaker Elder Tom Porter. In addition, we will be presenting awards to four distinguished individuals: Alberto O. Cappas will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award; Jerome R. Wright with the “Alt”-imate Activist Award; Craig Mokhiber with the Stellar Media Award; and Gabriella Lynn Jamieson with the Emerging Leaders Award.

You will have the chance to explore a variety of vendors, and we invite you to take part in our raffles or auctions! Come and spend an evening dedicated to community and learning as we commemorate our 57th annual dinner, featuring special guest and keynote speaker Elder Tom Porter, a Mohawk Spiritual Leader, Educator, and Author. Thomas R. Porter is the founder, spokesperson, and spiritual leader of the Mohawk Community of Kanatsiohareke in the Mohawk Valley near Fonda, NY. He has authored “And Grandma Said… Iroquois Teachings as Passed Down Through the Oral Tradition.”

Join us for a delightful plant-based feast catered by Sunshine Vegan Eats!
Ticket Options:
• Student/Limited Income – $50
• Early Bird Dinner (Before Oct 10th) – $90 / Regular Dinner – $100
• Advertiser Package* – Includes Dinner, 1/2-page Ad, and Slideshow – $125
• Group Table (Seats Ten) – $900
• Dinner and Annual Membership – $125
An emailed receipt and a ticket with a QR code will be sent to you.

Thomas R. Porter, known as Sakokwenionkwas—”The One Who Wins,” has served as the founder, spokesperson, and spiritual leader of the Mohawk Community of Kanatsiohareke, situated in the Mohawk Valley near Fonda, New York, since 1993. He authored “And Grandma Said… Iroquois Teachings as Passed Down Through the Oral Tradition.”

Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient: Alberto O. Cappas:
Alberto O. Cappas, a distinguished publisher, poet, author, journalist, and community advocate, is celebrated as the founder and publisher of The Buffalo Latino Village. This notable Buffalo, NY publication is esteemed for its impactful advertising and marketing within the Puerto Rican/Latino community. Of the three Latino publications in Buffalo and Western New York, it is recognized as a forward-thinking voice for Latinos. Its commendable reputation is evident in its robust social media presence, particularly on Facebook. The Buffalo Latino Village is instrumental in championing and representing the Latino community’s interests in the area. Additionally, Alberto is an accomplished writer and poet, with his most recent work, “Back to the Twilight Zone: A Puerto Rican Colony in Buffalo, NY,” now available.

The “Alt”imate Activist Award goes to Jerome R. Wright, Co-Director of the #HALTsolitary Campaign and the Campaign for Alternatives to Isolated Confinement. After 30 years of incarceration, he has committed his life to advocacy and community service. His roles have included Program Director at Back-to-Basics Outreach Ministries, Site Supervisor and Life Enrichment Class facilitator at the Center for Employment Opportunities, and mentor and trainer for at-risk youth in Buffalo and Rochester. An ordained Deacon at Elim Christian Fellowship, Wright is active in outreach, advocacy, and the church’s Restorative Justice initiative. His activism has significantly contributed to the No New Jails Campaign, and he currently chairs the Erie County Corrections Specialist Advisory Board.

Stellar Media Award recipient Craig Mokhiber is a renowned international human rights lawyer and activist, and a former high-ranking United Nations official. His career in human rights advocacy began in the 1980s, leading to over three decades of service at the UN, with postings in Switzerland, Palestine, Afghanistan, and New York. He has led numerous human rights missions throughout Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. In October 2023, Mokhiber left the UN, penning a letter that gained widespread attention for its critique of the organization’s handling of human rights issues in the Middle East. He highlighted the critical situation in Gaza and advocated for a resolution to the Palestine-Israel conflict based on international law, human rights, and equality. Mokhiber has been featured in various forums, both in-person and online, such as the WNY Peace Center’s Talking Peace radio/YouTube show, providing essential guidance to the human rights movement.

Emerging Leaders Award recipient Gabriella Lynn Jamieson hails from Buffalo, New York, and is a proud member of the Cayuga tribe. From a young age, she has been actively involved with her grandfather, Allan Jamieson, in his nonprofit organization, Neto Hatinakwe Onkwehowe (Neto), which means ‘location’ in Cayuga. Neto is dedicated to the promotion of Native American culture through arts and educational workshops. Gabriella has crafted Native American jewelry for many years and showcases Native American dances at pow-wows and various events. She is passionate about teaching others about her culture, including those in her community who may not be familiar with it. Beyond her commitment to Neto, Gabriella contributes to other nonprofit organizations, including Youth Empowerment Leadership (YEL), 4-H, and Hype.

Tickets
• Student/Limited Income Tickets – $50
• Early Bird Dinner Ticket (Ordered before October 10th) – $90 / Dinner Ticket (Regular) – $100
• Advertiser Package* – Dinner Ticket & 1/2-page ad in slideshow – $125
• Table for Ten – $900
• Dinner + Regular Membership – $125
An emailed receipt and ticket with a QR code will be sent to you.
Membership

*For membership only, select “Purchase ticket,” then “No thanks, I’d just like to donate,” and specify your membership level.

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*For advertisement only, select “Purchase ticket,” then “No thanks, I’d just like to donate,” and indicate your ad size.
*Other Advertising Fees (Please enter the “Other Amount” for vendor space payments.) Send ad and JPEG information to office@wnypeace.org.
• $25 for 1/4 Page Ad
• $45 for 1/2 Page Ad
• $80 for Full-Page Ad

For more information, contact WNYPC at office@wnypeace.org or (716) 332-3904.