By Elisa C. Marus
Pastor Keith Norman to Receive 2012 Dozier Award at CBU The Bishop Carroll T. Dozier Award for Peace and Justice was presented to Pastor Keith Norman on October 2 in the University Theater at Christian Brothers University (CBU), with a reception immediately following in Boshwit Courtyard. As pastor of First Baptist Church, located in the Binghampton community, Norman is the shepherd of a ministry that is dedicated to serve a predominantly African-American community in transition, which is targeted for revitalization in housing, education, and crime prevention. Norman has been successful in implementing an on-going campaign of community revitalization and strategic planning. His latest undertaking is the purchase and renovation of a 50,000-square-foot abandoned building, ultimately to be known as The H.O.P.E. Zone (Haven of Perfective Empowerment), which when completed will be dedicated to Christian education, senior living, temporary housing for the homeless and other much-needed ministry and services. He is also the founder and principal officer of GREATER WORKS, Inc. a ministry with emphasis in organizational management aimed at empowering churches into action and optimum service to the community. He currently serves as the Tennessee State Conference NAACP Religious Affairs Chairman and in February 2012 was elected to the NAACP’s Special Contribution Fund Board of Trustees. He serves as a chaplain with the Law Enforcement Chaplains Corps of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department. He serves as co-chairman of the Board of Directors of the Shelby County Health Care Corporation (The MED), and the Memphis PREP Program. Norman is a 2010 Presidents Volunteer Service Award recipient. An international lecturer, Norman has taught and preached in numerous countries. A graduate of Morehouse College, Norman has completed the Institute of Church Administration and Management Program at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC). He has received honors and studied community revitalization and church/corporate partnerships at Harvard Divinity School as well as the Invitation Strategies for Church and Community Partnership, Wharton School–University of Pennsylvania. Norman was honored for his faithful community activism and dedication to serving those most in need. The Dozier Award for Peace and Justice is named for Bishop Carroll T. Dozier, the first Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis and a leader in race relations, peace and justice. Bishop Dozier served as Bishop of Memphis from 1971-1982.
