04/27/2021

Hope Awards

In the evening of April 27, Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT) hosted a virtual 2021 Hope Awards “Austin Better Angels” ceremony. The honorees are Fo Guang Shan Xiang Yun Temple, President of Huston-Tillotson University Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette, civic leader and philanthropist Nahid and Ali Khataw. Venerable Jue Ji, President of BLIA Elaine Hsu and Vice President of BLIA Tinny Widjaja were invited to this event.

This year’s Hope Awards took on the theme “Calling on our Better Angels” and featured an in-depth conversation with the celebrated author and Professor Dr. Eddie Glaude, and Vice Priest of MT, Zion Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Daryl Hor-ton. It addressed the historical evolution of American racial antagonism, how to face it, and how to teach the next generation the way to live together in peace.

Ms. Simone Flowers, Executive Director of iACT, expressed her deep appreciation to all Honorees. She praised Xiang Yun Temple for the years participating in iACT’s “Red Bench” and “Passport” programs, and successfully leading the Austin Buddhist community to co-host the iACT 2020 “Thanks“ Prayer. Mr. Steven Adler, Mayor of Austin, specially thanked Fo Guang Shan Xiang Yun Temple for its contribution to the local community.

The meeting also introduced an African girl who has been learning at the iACT Refugee program since she was 12 years old. Now she is about to enter the University of Texas. This is the best example of "Giving Hope," which matches the concepts of "Four Givings" advocated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. BLIA made donation to this refugee camp last year.

Mr. Simon Flowers emphasized the urgent need for mutual understanding and respect through interfaith dialogues to build a peaceful society. At the end, musician and artist Sam Baker’s guitar music beautifully closed the award event.