Church Women United held a service for Vince Thomas who was presented with the human rights award for his service on Saturday March 31, 2007. The event featured songs and readings as well as a breakfast for those who attended. Church Women United
is a national organization founded in 1941 that works toward world peace and justice.
Thomas has been a resident of the Quad Cities for 48 years, been involved with numerous community agencies and was selected by a unanimous choice. He also thanked his wife Margaret and daughter Rachel. Thomas spoke on prison reform and housing for low-income families distinguishing between the poor, very poor and the extremely very poor.
Jewell Perkins, who presented him with the award, said that her son would say, “Go see Vince and he’ll get it done.”
“I was a little embarrassed,” Thomas said, “other people in the community are held in high esteem. I’m very much honored.”
“We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.” Thomas mentioned some of his defeats with the City of Rock Island in his acceptance speech.
To end his speech, Thomas sang, “I’m going to let in shine.”