City of Bloomington Announces Recipient of 2015 Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jan. 20, 2015

For more information, please contact:

Michael Shermis, Events Specialist, City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department, 812.349.3471, shermism@bloomington.in.gov

Alexa Lopez, Communications Director, City of Bloomington Office of the Mayor, 812.345.2489, lopeza@bloomington.in.gov

City of Bloomington Announces Recipient of 2015 Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Award

Bloomington, Ind. - The King Commission created the Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Award to honor those who have made significant contributions in race relations, justice, and human rights. This year's award recipient has dedicated much of his life to this important cause.

Craig Brenner spent 20 years as the Special Projects Coordinator in the City of Bloomington's Community and Family Resources Department. His contributions, in the words of his nominator, "have been meaningful to many individuals as well as the Bloomington community." Craig was nominated by a colleague at the Community and Family Resources Department, who has been able to watch firsthand for many years his efforts on behalf of the MLK Commission, the Commission on the Status of Black Males and the Council on Community Accessibility. He consistently planned numerous programs that were beneficial for the entire community.

Brenner's personality and sense of humor welcomed each volunteer and commissioner and made them feel appreciated, as well as a valuable part of the team on which they served. His knowledge of the community, ability to engage community partners and attention to detail enabled commissioners to focus on the bigger goals of their commissions. Because of his knowledge and abilities, many individuals who had never previously served on a commission began their service and moved into leadership roles both on the commission and in other parts of their lives. Although advocacy was his profession, it was also his passion.

Brenner graduated from Florida Southern College with a Political Science degree in 1970; taught and studied music in Miami, FL; and then studied music at Indiana University (IU). His other involvements include being a VISTA volunteer for the South Central Community Action Program and setting up Hoosier Hills Food Bank; being a VISTA Supervisor for Gleaners Food Bank of Indianapolis; serving as the first City of Bloomington liaison with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission, the Council for Community Accessibility and the Commission on the Status of Women. He also served on various boards and committees including the IU MLK Birthday Committee and the IU Committee to End Rape and Relationship Violence. He received the Mayor's Award for his work on the Council for Community Accessibility in October 2014.

Craig is also a professional musician and has been called upon many times to contribute his musical talent and skills to enhance various nonprofit events and functions. He has volunteered by performing music and/or raising funds at Middle Way House, Monroe County Jail, Indiana University and many more. His CD release parties provided funds and food for Community Kitchen and Hoosier Hills Food Bank.

For more information about the Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Award, contact Events Specialist Michael Shermis at 812.349.3471.

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