Brother Tyrone Davis To Receive Founders Award From The Christophers For Humanitarian Work In Haiti

For 15 years, Brother Tyrone has led efforts of New York Archdiocese's Office of Black Ministry; Will be honored on April 15

News provided by

The Christophers

Mar 30, 2010, 11:13 ET

NEW YORK, March 30 /PRNewswire/ -- (http://www.myprgenie.com) -- The Christophers announced today the recipient of the 2010 James Keller Award, to be presented at the 61st annual Christopher Awards program here on Thursday, April 15.

The James Keller Award, named for the Maryknoll missioner who founded The Christophers in 1945, recognizes the work of Brother Tyrone A. Davis, C.F.C., J.D., director of the Office of Black Ministry of the Archdiocese of New York and the director of the Pierre Toussaint Guild. Brother Tyrone will be honored for his lifelong commitment to young people as an educator in both public and Catholic schools in the States and for his tireless relief and educational commitment to the people of Haiti, both before and after the recent devastating earthquake.

"Brother Tyrone's selfless work in Haiti represents the power of humanitarian efforts-both his own and that of the many organizations currently working there-to provide material and spiritual relief to people in desperate situations," said Mary Ellen Robinson, vice president of The Christophers. "His dedication to both the U.S. and Haiti through the years is a real-life example of a principal belief of Father James Keller, that every individual has the ability to make a difference in the world."

Brother Tyrone, a native of Newark, N.J., and a member of the Congregation of Christian Brothers, has directed the Office of Black Ministry since November 1995. He oversees an office whose mission is to serve the needs of African, African-American and Caribbean people of New York, celebrating the rich cultural expressions of faith and worship of black Catholics. A lawyer who spent nearly four years as an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn, Brother Tyrone has built a special relationship with the people of Haiti, where his office is primary supporter of College Pierre Toussaint, a secondary school in the southwest part of the nation.

Since 1987, the James Keller Award has recognized individuals who have contributed in a meaningful way to the well-being of young people. The Award was named for Father James Keller, who founded The Christophers with the belief that every individual has the power and responsibility to change the world for the better. The Christophers, a nonprofit organization, is rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition of service to God and humanity. The ancient Chinese proverb - "It's better to light one candle than to curse the darkness" - guides its publishing, radio and awards programs.

The Christopher Awards, first presented in 1949, annually honor writers, producers, directors and illustrators in the publishing, film, TV and cable industries whose work "affirms the highest values of the human spirit." More information about The Christophers is available at www.christophers.org.

To see press release go to http://myprgenie.com/5135

Contact: David Reich, [email protected], 212-573-6000

SOURCE The Christophers