By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Where others see differences in people, Emily Dunipace sees reason for delight.
Dunipace has dedicated her career and her community involvement to making people feel included, regardless of their race, religion, sexuality and abilities.
For that work, Dunipace was awarded Friday with the Drum Major for Peace Award, handed out annually to a community member who exemplifies the teachings and values of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. The tribute to King, sponsored by the Bowling Green Human Relations Commission, was held in the atrium of the Wood County District Public Library. (A story on the keynote speaker will follow in BG Independent News.)
“Emily’s enthusiasm is contagious,” BG Mayor Mike Aspacher said in introducing her. He praised Dunipace for going beyond simply reading words about King’s life of service. “You live those values,” the mayor said.
Dunipace is the community engagement specialist at the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and has volunteered for many years with the BG Human Relations Commission and Not In Our Town BG.
Anyone who has attended Not In Our Town meetings has seen Dunipace gently and effortlessly make all present feel welcome to share their feelings. When addressing unpleasant topics of hatred, discrimination or violence, Dunipace manages to find the right words to condemn the actions without attacking the actors.
On Friday, she was recognized for emulating King’s courage, dedication to justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service. The honor touched Dunipace, who has long admired King.
“This is who I am at my core,” she said.
As she looked out at friends, family and former teachers in the audience, Dunipace recalled the lessons instilled in her as a young person.
“We were taught the value of service,” she said.
The question she was often asked was, “What are you doing for others? We are judged by what we have helped others achieve.”
Characteristic of her desire for inclusivity, Dunipace took advantage of being at the podium to get people up and out of their seats to go meet someone they didn’t know in the audience.
That simple act created “wonderful energy” in the room, she said.
Like King, Dunipace believes in the value of building community, and living side by side in peace with others.
She asked that the audience emulate King by focusing on a vision of freedom without discrimination or racism, believing in the value of human beings, celebrating diversity, being committed to social justice, and building a community where none are marginalized.
“We need to build a safe and inclusive community for all,” she said. “In our town, we are inclusive. In our town all are welcome.”
