Louis Jones, archivist at Wayne State University's Walter P. Reuther Library was recently acknowledged with the History/Humanities Award at the 16th Annual Wayne County Council for Arts, History (WCCAH) and Humanities Recognition Awards for his outstanding efforts in the archival field and its beneficial impact on Wayne County, both as an effort of activism and recordation.
"In delving into Dr. Jones's work, I realized his immense impact on the local community and its place on the forefront of history of both labor unions and the African-American perspective," said Susan Salas, WCCAH council member. "Dr. Jones's work is vital in so many ways, but most notably, his local recordations and perspective, and his upgrades with technology and the virtual library of the future."
The WCCAH Recognition Awards selection process involved an evaluation of the nominees' historical contributions and their current status in his or her field. Past award winners in the humanitarian/historian category have included Baker's Keyboard Lounge and Asenath Andrews, the principal at Catherine A. Ferguson Academy, a Detroit public high school for pregnant and parenting teens as well as the site of an internationally known urban farm. This year, this category was separated into two distinct awards, one for organizations and one for individuals.
The Wayne County Council for the Arts, History and Humanities is a council of the Wayne County government. Its purpose is to promote education and appreciation for the arts, history and humanities in Wayne County, Michigan USA. The council consists of citizen volunteers who represent a variety of areas of expertise. The council organizes and conducts many programs and activities throughout the year. Of particular note is the Annual Recognition Awards ceremony that honors outstanding arts and cultural achievement in Wayne County.
The Wayne State University Library System consists of the university's six libraries: The David Adamany Undergraduate Library, the Purdy/Kresge Library, the Shiffman Medical Library, the Arthur Neef Law Library, the Science and Engineering Library, and the Reuther Library and the School of Library and Information Science.
Wayne State University is a premier institution offering more than 370 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 29,000 students.