From a press release from social justice organization Community Shares:
The Social Justice Reporting Award will recognize Dan Harkins of Cleveland Scene for his report “Disparate Times.” This in depth article uncovered the unequal and unfair drug charges given to white suburbanites versus people of color in Cleveland. Harkins’ report led the way for future articles by Scene, the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, and the Call & Post. In late 2008, Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson announced that he would suspend the city’s policy of charging cases where only drug residue is found as a felony.
In addition to Harkins, Community Shares will honor Cleveland Councilman Anthony Brancatelli, Policy Matters Ohio, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry co-founder George Hrbek, Mike Brickner of the ACLU of Ohio, the LGBT Community Center and the NAACP of Greater Cleveland. The June 19 ceremony is open to the public. For tickets ($30) call 216-361-9920 or visit the web site.
