Duke Chapel Recognizes Two Community Leaders for Humanitarian Service

This year’s recipients of Duke Chapel’s Humanitarian Service Award work in Durham to bring dignity and tangible support to people with disabilities and those facing violence.

One of the recipients, the Rev. Annette Currie Love, founded and leads the Faith Based Service Network ministry, which educates, encourages, and supports people who have suffered abuse. Guided by her Christian faith, Rev. Love also volunteers at the Durham Crisis Response Center and serves on the boards of two community organizations: Jubilee Home and the Religious Coalition for a Nonviolent Durham.

The other recipient is Susan McSwain, executive director of Reality Ministries, a Christian community organization that creates opportunities for adults with and without developmental disabilities to experience belonging and kinship. McSwain is part of the North Street Neighborhood in Durham, where people of diverse abilities share life together as neighbors. 

McSwain and Rev. Love will be presented their awards during a virtual ceremony, open to the public, on Sunday, January 24, at 2:00 p.m. Join the event online at https://duke.zoom.us/j/93103949732 .

A committee comprising students, Duke staff, and Chapel community partners selected the two recipients based on the award’s criteria of honoring people who demonstrate “a commitment to service and simplicity.” Each recipient will designate a nonprofit organization to receive a $1,500 donation from the Chapel.

The Chapel’s community minister, the Rev. Breana van Velzen, coordinated the selection committee.

“The witness of both of these women shows us how to do ministry in difficult situations and to bring unity to groups that historically have been segregated,” she said. “Their faithful leadership is helping to guide our city in mutual respect and care for one another.”

Learn more about the Chapel’s Community Engagement.