Barbara Walker, RECIPIENT OF THE 2007 YOU AWARD

NOMINATOR'S STATEMENT
Barbara Walker has shown a lifelong commitment to human rights and social justice on a global scale and has been an active advocate for peace as well as a champion of the arts. Barbara worked for many years with the United Nations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in a training and fellowship program that enabled African students through grants to study and to continue their education. Moving to New York United Nations in 1984 Barbara began doing Peacekeeping work that involved missions to Namibia, Jerusalem and Angola.

Barbara retired from the UN in 1993 and has been able to continue her advocacy for peace. She was one of 18 women arrested during a Grandmothers Against the War protest in Times Square, New York. Held in jail for seven hours all 18 women were later acquitted of any charges.  Barbara attends weekly Wednesday peace vigils and will speak publicly about the war and occupation in Iraq when asked.

When Barbara is not doing peace advocacy work she volunteers for the Richmond County Orchestra because she feels strongly about supporting the RCO programs that provide mentoring for young people in music performance and in music appreciation, in addition, of course, to its scheduling of wonderful and varied concert programs. Deeply warm and personable, funny and adventurous, Barbara is a unique and inspiring individual who has devoted her life to fighting for what she believes in and in making the world a better place for all of us. 

2008 The You Award Recipient

2006 The You Award Recipient

2005 The You Award Recipient

2004 The You Award Recipient