Local spiritual leaders named 2011 MLK award recipients

The City's Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission honored two local spiritual leaders with the 2011 Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Achievement Award and the 2011 Baha'i Unity of Humanity Award during yesterday's 2011 MLK March and Commemorative Program.

Commission chair Rev. Otis Mitchell and Awards Committee Chair Kim Jordan presented Rev. Lemelle Taylor with a bronze bust of Dr. King at the ceremony. Prior to the presentation of the Distinguished Achievement Award, Rev. Edward Bernal was awarded the 2011 Baha'i Unity Award.

Taylor has worked in the field of education for the past 25 years. Her work has included not only ensuring that all students receive the highest quality education, but equity of a quality education for all races. She has dedicated her life to eliminating injustice and ignorance through education and ministry.

Bernal was recognized for his outstanding work with the San Antonio community. Through his lifelong work in the church, the school, and the community, Father Bernal has consistently gone above and beyond the expectations of his position to serve all humanity. His work has included service to youth, elderly, poor, rich, people of all faiths and backgrounds to help people bring down the walls which separate us, to eliminate prejudice in all its forms, and begin to establish the foundations of peace and justice.