Acceptance Speech
2004 Human Relations Award
Carroll County Human Relations Commission
Twelfth Annual Awards Dinner March 22, 2004
Brethren Center, New Windsor, Maryland

Thank you, Virginia Harrison, and all the members of the Carroll County Human Relations Commission.

I am grateful to be in your presence, and in the presence of so many wonderful people of our community who do the work that reflects the mission of the Commission.

There is an old saying, source unknown, which goes: "The mighty oak was once a little nut that stood its ground."

There is another saying that goes: "The acorn doesn't fall far from the oak."

I accept this award in honor of my father, Rev. Marion S. Michael, who received no awards. His life's work was to help facilitate the racial integration of the Methodist Church in the 1960's, through the merger of the Washington and Baltimore Conferences while serving as District Superintendent on the Washington East District.

I am so very lucky to have had him as a father, role-model, loving shepherd and spiritual guide. This is his award. He did not live to see Common Ground on the Hill, but my mother, Juanita B. Michael, sat on the front row of its inception and gave her final energies to its launch. She was my biggest booster and was the first in my family to understand the importance of roots music in my life. This is her award too.

As well, this is Christina Collins-Smith's award, my loving partner and Common Ground Warrior. Ever-loyal and ever energetic, Christina has given her life to this work.

By my side for 18 years has been my daughter Wesley who has generously shared me with the Common Ground community and put her shoulder to the wheel when it counted.

My sister, Marya Michael, is a constant reminder of my parents' presence and mission in our lives, and I honor her this evening as well.

I am so very lucky to have had the love, friendship and wise counsel of Ira and Mary Zepp throughout the past forty years. I would have never attempted to realize the Common Ground dream without them.

Larry Brumfield, Common Ground on the Hill's President, has been a wonderful partner and brother in this ten-year effort.

Pam Zappardino & Charlie Collyer co-directors of the Zepp Center for Nonviolence and Peace Education have committed themselves to this work. Their energies are crucial to what we do.

I would also like to recognize Del and Nancy Palmer, who were my professors and who were the first to ask me to return to my alma mater to perform and teach.

Poet Mary Jean Irion wrote:
"Faith is not making religious - sounding noises in the daytime. It is asking your innermost self questions at night - and then getting up and going to work."

Will Rogers said:
"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."

Walt Michael
March 22, 2004