On the evening of January 26th, 2006, four distinguished students at The George Washington University were honored with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medal--one of the university’s most prestigious awards. Once again, the Books for Africa Student Organization is proud to announce that among this year’s award recipients, two—Abby Charles and Lina Musayev—are Books for Africa members.
Abby Charles, a native of Trinidad and Tobago, is one of the most recognized faces on campus. Besides her activism in Books for Africa, she volunteers for other student groups and participates in a number of university-sponsored events. Lina Musavey and Abby Charles
Lina Musayev, born in Azerbaijan, is a natural leader. During her undergrad years at The George Washington University she founded a national student movement called United Students for Fair Trade (www.usft.org), a network of student organizations advocating Fair Trade products, policies, and principles.
Abby's family traveled from Trinidad and Tobago to see her daughter receive the award.
After the award ceremony Abby declared that her experience with Books for Africa has been one of learning and fascination: “Through Books for Africa I have learned that it is not difficult to make an amazing difference in the lives of others. By collecting used books (students may throw away) and establishing a little bit of coordination, many students across the world can benefit.”
Abby hopes to continue to serve less-fortunate communities after she graduates, returning to Trinidad and Tobago and working to develop and improve access and quality to health care there.
In her speech, Lina reminded the audience that Dr. King once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Certainly her activism and goals for life reflect that mindset. In her interview, Lina said that even doing such basic things as “getting people to give books to the group instead of throwing them away” or “educating people about Books for Africa” helps combat injustice in the world.
In the future, Lina would like to become an Ambassador of the United States and visit distant lands, learn new cultures, and most importantly—continue advocating for social justice.
Abby Charles, Rudy Perecin Mareno, and Lina Musayev at the Martin Luther King Medal ceremony 2006.
Last year’s award recipient and Books for Africa Student Organization Founder, Rudy Perecin Mareno, says he is not surprised two Books for Africa members received the award this year. “Students that are involved in Books for Africa usually have a vision of how to make this world a better place. They are proud of it, and they often inspire others to follow their steps. I am not surprised they gather awe and admiration from faculty, university staff, and their classmates.”
Congratulations to this year’s awards recipients! Books for Africa is proud and fortunate to count you among our many.
Article by Christina Jenkins and Rudy Perecin Mareno.
