When she first arrived in Okolona twenty years ago, Sister Liz Brown entered a community struggling with the consequences of poverty, illiteracy, unemployment and related challenges. But Okolona also faced another, persistent problem: longstanding racial tensions between black and white members of the community.

In 1988, Sister Liz decided to help out Okolona by forming Excel, Inc., an organization where people of all ages and races work together to better their community. Due to her leadership, there are now programs in place to address problems of adult illiteracy and school dropouts – an especially severe problem for teen mothers. Excel also provides after-school and summer learning programs for children, assistance for teen mothers, a senior citizens program that includes a meal site, and a health and fitness center. In 2003 and 2004, volunteers performed over 10,249 hours of labor, and over 10,000 community members participated in Excel programs.

Most amazing, however, is the fact that despite the deep racial divisions in Okolona, all of Excel’s programs are integrated. Leadership is shared equally among black and white people. Friendships have developed, and there is a new sense of pride in the community. In fact, it is not unusual to hear people say that Excel is the best thing that has happened to Okolona. Since Excel began, similar programs have been started in two other Mississippi towns.

Liz has a way of gathering people across the frequent boundaries of race, religion and economics and can inspire them to work together to solve local community problems. The ability to evoke generosity in others in service to their community is what I think makes Liz deserving of this award. She has gone far beyond the call of duty in creating Excel.: all of the work noted above was done in addition to her regular job as a church worker. Sister Liz is a person of integrity, justice, humor and a passionate commitment to help others, even in the face of adversity.

To learn more about Elizabeth and her cause, and how you can make a difference, please visit:
www.excelcommons.org

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