Lamell McMorris Receives the Aqua Foundation for Women 2017 Ally Award

The Aqua Ally Awards are held each year in recognition of those who stand with AFW to fight for the advancement of equality for the LGBTQ community. In addition to McMorris, the Foundation recognized the Reverend Willie Allen-Faiella of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Coconut Grove, Florida for her support and advocacy on behalf of the LGBT community.

"Aqua Foundation is only able to do the work we do with the support of a larger community. This includes allies who are dedicated to standing with us. I cannot think of two more deserving people to be recognized for their 'allyship' than Lamell or Pastor Willie. Through donations of time, support, guidance, and financial assistance, both Lamell and Pastor Willie have demonstrated a deep commitment to social justice and the caring and support of others. I am honored that we were able to recognize them this year," stated AFW Executive Director Caitlin Wood.

As AFW Founder Robin Schwartz presented McMorris with his award, she explained to those in attendance, "Lamell shows up. He cares deeply about injustice and puts his money and muscle where his mouth is. He has been incredibly successful in his professional life and uses that success to make an incredible difference in the lives of so many—not just in his own community but in communities facing oppression and experiencing injustice."

McMorris, when accepting his award, reminded the audience of the words of Dr. King, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

The Aqua Ally Awards were made possible in part by generous contributions from Mercedes Benz of Coral Gables, Ann McGowan CPA, Jackson Health, SAVE, Care Resource, Absolut, Seasons 52 and the Pareto Arguello Family. In addition to the awards reception, AFW will kick-off its annual Aqua Girl event on May 18 which will draw women from all over the world and will raise money to support the Foundation's efforts.

ABOUT LAMELL MCMORRIS

Lamell McMorris is the founder and CEO of the Washington, DC based companies, Perennial Strategy Group and Perennial Sports, and the founding principal of Greenlining Realty USA.  In his work, Mr. McMorris offers strategic insight and external affairs services to some of the nation's leading decision-makers in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. As a lifelong advocate of civil, economic, and human rights, Mr. McMorris serves as a member of numerous nonprofit and college boards, and volunteers his time with several youth-focused and mentoring organizations. In Miami, Mr. McMorris is a supporter of both the Aqua Foundation for Women and Project Safe, a program of Pridelines that helps LGBTQ homeless youth. Mr. McMorris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Society from Morehouse College and a Master of Divinity in Social Ethics and Public Policy from Princeton Theological Seminary. 

ABOUT THE AQUA FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN

The mission of the Aqua Foundation for Women is to serve and support the lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community in South Florida through grants, scholarships, and initiatives. Financial contributions are awarded in the form of grants to local organizations addressing LBT interests such as equality, wellness, families, LGBTQ youth homelessness, cultural enrichment, leadership growth, community service, civic interests, and youth empowerment. These contributions are also awarded in the form of scholarships to individuals as the Foundation is dedicated to supporting secondary education and mentoring programs. Located in Miami, Florida, you can visit AFW online at www.aquafoundation.org.  

Contact: Elizabeth Thomas, [email protected]

SOURCE Perennial Strategy Group

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