We were saddened to learn of the passing of this year's McGannon Award recipient, Wally Bowen, last night after his long battle with ALS. We at UCC OC Inc. are gratified that we got a chance to demonstrate to him how important his work was nationally as well as in his home community of rural western North Carolina.
His friend Monroe Gilmour was able to attend the ceremony in Washington DC in October to receive the award on his behalf, and then present it to him at home in North Carolina, as captured in this picture. Upon learning of his death, Cheryl Leanza, OC Inc.'s policy advisor said, "Wally's lifelong dedication to the cause of media justice was inspirational to me for as long as I knew him. Wally took policy opportunities created in Washington and made them into real opportunities for his neighbors in western North Carolina. All the victories in Washington will be for naught without people like Wally to translate them into action on the ground."
Wally Bowen was recognized for his leadership in building the Mountain Area Information Network in western North Carolina, and then working to bring a low-power FM station, local cable access channels and broadband access to his community.
Bowen's acceptance remarks highlighted his dedication to his home community, and noted that his work had been inspired and supported by his own faith community, Jubilee!, in Asheville, NC. He quoted the words of theologian Frederick Buechner: “Your true vocation is found in that place where your deep gladness meets the world’s deep hunger.” He continued, "It has been my good fortune to have found that place of true vocation in my work through the Mountain Area Information Network these past 20 years. On behalf of the rural citizens for whom we advocated, thank you again for this award affirming this work."
Thank you, Wally, for doing the work.
The description of Wally's achievements and press release, as well as additional photos of the Parker Awards and of Wally receiving his award are available online.