Pasadena, CA - Today, the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) was saddened to learn of the passing of a true hero, Dr. Everett C. Parker. Dr. Parker founded the United Church of Christ, Office of Communication, Inc., nearly 60 years ago, establishing a media reform and accountability ministry with a civil rights agenda, that worked to improve the coverage and employment of women and people of color in broadcasting and other media. Dr. Parker was 102-years-old.
"Dr. Parker was a truly larger-than-life figure that blazed the trail for groups like NHMC and others that recognize the intersection between media and telecommunications and civil rights," said Alex Nogales, President and CEO of NHMC. "He developed the playbook for this type of work, teaching us how to hold broadcasters accountable and how to engage everyday people in these important issues. He was a brilliant and tireless advocate that made his mark on this country. The legacy that he leaves in this field is unparalleled."
"In 2011, it was one of the great and humbling honors of my career to receive an award with Dr. Parker's name in his presence. The words that I was able to speak to Dr. Parker that day mean a great deal to me and are appropriate on this sad day," said Nogales.
In 2011, Alex Nogales received the Everett C. Parker Award from the United Church of Christ, OC Inc., in recognition for his work on public interest media and telecommunications advocacy during a ceremony held in Washington, DC.
The portion of his remarks during which he addressed Dr. Parker has been reproduced below:
"So, in accepting this award, I feel very honored, Everett, because I followed your work over the years and you stand for everything that we believe in. You stand for everything that is good for everyone. And I have to tell you that we model ourselves after those that lead and I want to thank you for being there. Even though I come from another ethnic group, I have to tell you that the values that you espouse, the values that you have lived your life with are the ones we follow."
Dr. Parker's family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to UCC OC Inc.]]>
