WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, June 22, 2006, eleven returned Peace Corps volunteers of color from across the nation will be recognized with the Franklin H. Williams Award at the Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Established in 1999, the Franklin H. Williams Award pays tribute to returned Peace Corps volunteers of color who continue the Peace Corps mission through their commitment to community service, and who support the agency’s third goal of promoting a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans. The award assumes the name of former Peace Corps Regional Director for Africa and U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Franklin H. Williams. Ambassador Williams was instrumental in assisting the first Peace Corps Director, Sargent Shriver, in advancing the agency’s global mission.

The awards will be presented by Peace Corps Director Gaddi H. Vasquez. Constance Berry Newman, who currently serves as Special Counsel for African Affairs with the Carmen Group, will be honored at the event.

Today, the Peace Corps has over 7,800 volunteers serving in 75 nations. Sixteen percent of Peace Corps volunteers are of color. To find out more about Americans of color serving in the Peace Corps, please click here

For more information about this event, please contact the Peace Corps Press Office via e-mail at pressoffice@peacecorps.gov or by phone at 202.692.2230.

WHAT:
National ceremony honoring returned Peace Corps volunteers from across the U.S. and of various ethnic backgrounds with the Franklin H. Williams Award for outstanding community service

WHEN:
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Reception at 6:30 p.m.; awards begin promptly at 7:00

WHERE:
Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20526

###