
2009 Humanitarian Awards Honorees and InformationDr. Alim and Sofia Khandekar
Dr. Alim & Sofia Khandekar have been active in the Memphis community for over thirty years. Dr. Alim was instrumental in building Masjad al Salaam, arranging for the Muslim cemeter, the interfaith Iftar dinner, many invitations to the non-Muslim community and bringing scholars to Memphis for Muslims in March events.. He is frequently a speaker talking about Islam and the local community. He has been an active partner with Facing History and Ourselves, NCCJ and now Diversity Memphis.
Rev. Samuel B. Kyles
Rev. Samuel B. Kyles is a renowned national speaker with numerous honors and awards, and has served as pastor of Monumental Baptist Church since 1959. He is recognized as a resource on the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and is the only person still living to have spent the last hour with Dr. King. He was appointed by the Clinton Administration to serve on the Advisory Committee on Religious Freedom Abroad and has served as a panelist at the White House Conference on Hate Crimes. He is a founding member of the National Board of People United to Save Humanity (PUSH) and a delegate to the first African National Congress.
Teresa C. Sloyan
Teresa C. Sloyan serves as the Executive Director of the Hyde Family Foundation. She has more than 20 years of experience in philanthropy and community relations including service in both the public and private sector. A native of Memphis, Teresa earned her baccalaureate degree from the University of Memphis and completed graduate work at the University of Tenn. In addition to her foundations responsibilities, she is active in a number of cultural and civic initiatives in the city. She has a particular passion for public education reform and recently led the local pursuit to add Memphis as an expansion city for New Leaders for New Schools. She serves on the boards of Achievement for All, Partners in Public Education, NCRM Freedom Award and the Memphis Zoo.
Rev. Craig Strickland
Rev. Craig Strickland is the founding pastor of Hope Presbyterian Church which
Dr. Lawrence Wruble
Dr. Larry Wruble is a recognized leader in the local and national Jewish community, and he has served as president of many local Jewish institutions, including his
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