“It’s an effort to honor people that have embraced MLK’s spirit and example through their efforts on behalf of the community - to recognize what these people have done for the community and how it sets an example we should all aspire to,” said Peter Morin, chief of operations and staff for the town.
Sunny Shaw, a co-chair of the MLK Peacemaker Celebration Committee, agreed that the event, and the tradition, were important.
“It's also a nice way to bring the community together for a joyful celebration and remind people everyone has something they can give to make the community better,” she said.
Previous speakers have included Deval Patrick, before he was governor. The honoree selection committee chose Patrick to speak at the time because of his work as assistant attorney general in charge of civil rights in Washington, DC.
This year, recognition will go to five Braintree residents and one mystery honoree that will be named on Thursday night.
Amongst the honorees will be Ruth Powell, a member of the historical society, a library patron, and a member of the Finance Committee for many years.
According to Shaw, Powell has spent much of her free time volunteering on numerous town boards.
“She has been…a lifelong supporter of Braintree in terms of its history and its intellectual community,” Shaw said.
Gale and Bob Fraser, known for their work volunteering at the Braintree Youth Center, will also be recognized.
In addition to their work at the Youth Center, the Frasers have also volunteered with the Council on Aging and at the Marge Crispin Center, an organization founded in the 1970s to help those in the community struggling with basic needs.
“They are very involved in the community and are generous with their time and resources to help with several generations in Braintree,” Shaw said.
Tom Corcoran, who has served on the Board of Health for 20 years, is also a noted honoree during this year’s awards.
Born in Bedford, Corcoran moved to Braintree after finishing his military service with the US Army. He went to work in the funeral business for many years, until opening up his own advertising firm.
