The memory of the Rev. Maurice McCrackin will be rekindled at 3 p.m. Sunday, when four people will receive the McCrackin Peace and Justice Award at Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church, 103 William Howard Taft Road.

        The Rev. Mr. McCrackin, who died at age 92 in December 1997, distinguished himself here and nationwide as a social justice activist.

        The award is given to individuals who have followed in his footsteps by demonstrating commitment to the creation of a just community.

        Honorees are:

        • Camilla Warrick, who promoted social and economic justice through her writings at The Cincinnati Enquirer and Cincinnati Post.

        She is an elder at Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church, and author of Home Is Where I Live, a book about her struggle with cancer.

        • Tom Lee, a former resident of the Drop Inn Center. He has been on the staff of the homeless shelter for 20 years, serving now as outreach facilitator. He is an advocate for affordable housing and alcohol and drug treatment.

        • Paulette Meier, a composer and singer of peace and justice songs. She just released a CD, “Come Join the Circle — Lesson Songs for Peacemaking.” She has performed at many rallies and celebrations.

        • Ilyas Nashid, trainer for peace and education at the Cincinnati Islamic Center. Mr. Nashid is driven by his religious belief that peace is the most powerful force in the universe and that justice is the facilitator for peace.

        A special recognition will be given to Angela Leisure, mother of Timothy Thomas, the unarmed African-American man who was slain by a Cincinnati Police officer during a pursuit.

        Mrs. Leisure called for nonviolence, even as she mourned her son's death.

        The event is free and open to the public.

        Children age 18 months to 5 years of the Sharon Hill Daycare and Preschool will perform patriotic songs with costumes and kazoos and will sing “God Bless America” at 7 p.m. today at Kemper Heights Head Start, 924 Waycross Road, Forest Park.

        They will perform at 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at Heritage Hill Elementary School, 11961 Chesterdale Road, Sharonville.

        Admission is free, and donations will go to the International Association of Firefighters.

        The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and WLWT Channel 5 will conclude the second annual 5 Cares Coat Drive with a free coat distribution from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday at St. Joseph cafeteria, 745 Ezzard Charles Drive, West End, and St. Michael Center, 2104 St. Michael St., Lower Price Hill.

        The coat drive was in November. Coats were donated at fire departments and IGA Supermarkets.

        Allen Howard's “Some Good News” column runs Monday-Friday and Sundays. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are committing random acts of kindness that are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at (513) 768-8362; at ahoward@enquirer.com; or by fax at (513) 768-8340.
       

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