First ever Duluth ‘Peace Hero Award’ Recipient Announced

DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) - The Waging Peace Project, a nonprofit, unveiled the winner for the inaugural Duluth Peace Hero Award.

Out of 100 nominees, Helen Davis was chosen as the winner at an award celebration at Lincoln Park Middle School. The award honors those in the community who've displayed peace, unity and collaboration.

She won a $1,000 prize for her community work, and specifically for her work drawing national attention to Duluth's lead crisis.

Davis said it feels great to be recognized, but said she helps people because of how it makes her feel.

"What I do in this community in helping people, it makes me feel good," said Davis. "It makes me feel like I can go lay down in my bed and say I did that for this person, not to brag about it, but to give them my whole heart."

Each nominee was acknowledged at the ceremony and there were seven finalists.

The Waging Peace Project says during the election season it can often feel like people are trying to demonize each other.

That's why on the eve of the election, they are telling positive stories. The group's organizer, Iraq War medic and author Diana Oestreich says this award is so important because of the impact their nominees have on the community as a whole.

"I asked people to personally put goodwill in the community by nominating a friend, a neighbor, a youth, a teenager and they did. So, I wanted to say thank you to everyone who shared their stories," said Oestreich.

If you'd like to donate to the group or read some of the testimonials of the nominees, you can do so here .