The entertainer will receive the inaugural Bridging Divides
Award Oct. 19 at the Erwin Center in Austin. Presented by the
University of Texas at Austin Project on Conflict Resolution,
the award celebrates Nelson’s efforts as an ambassador
for peace and commemorates his lifelong commitment to humanitarian
causes.
“Willie Nelson embodies the kind of peaceful tolerance
that can resolve conflicts, whether it’s singing duets
with musicians from a spectrum of styles and political positions,
supporting the family farm through Farm Aid or drawing attention
to the opportunities of biodiesel,” Madeline Maxwell,
director of the UT Conflict Resolution Center, said.
The Project is working with Bells International, an Austin-based
advertising Agency, to take their message of peace and positive
conflict resolution to a wider audience. Randy Wilt, Bells executive
vice-president, said Nelson’s notoriety puts the Project
in an international spotlight.
“Willie Nelson is a public figure whose reputation extends
well beyond the music industry,” Wilt said. “He’s
a champion of causes he believes in and his association with
the Project on Conflict Resolution opens doors around the world.
It’s an exciting opportunity for the Project and for promoting
new approaches to tolerance and peace.”
In addition to being the first Bridging Divides honoree, Nelson
is the namesake of the university’s Willie Nelson Center
Students for Peace and Conflict Resolution. Maxwell said the
affiliation is a natural union of Austin’s University
of Texas and one of the city’s most recognizable residents.
“Where better to find such an icon than in our own backyard?”
Evan Smith, editor of Texas Monthly, will serve as Master
of Ceremonies at Friday’s ceremony. Scheduled performers
include Ray Wylie Hubbard, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Nelson’s
daughter, Amy Nelson.
UTPCR is a university organization dedicated to facilitating
the study and practice of peace initiatives and successful conflict
resolution in contemporary culture. For more information on
the Project and the Bridging Divides Award, contact Maxwell
at (512) 471-1954 or utpcr@uts.cc.utexas.edu.
10/18/07
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