On the Nobel Peace Prize and Why FRRC’s Nomination is Remarkable

by Sheena Meade, CEO

In February, I learned that, along with the National Council of Churches of Kenya and more than 300 other deserving nominees, the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC) was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. I am proud to have been one of the founding members of FRRC, working side by side with my husband, Desmond. It is remarkable to think that an effort that started small and then grew to restore the voting rights for 1.4 million people in Florida with the passage of Amendment 4 in 2018 has provided so much inspiration that it was nominated to receive the same recognition that has been awarded to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, and so many others who have been instrumental in struggles for justice and change.  

What started as a small yet dedicated group of people determined to restore voting rights to nearly a million and a half people in Florida was so impactful that its efforts traveled across the Atlantic and reached the shores of Oslo, Norway, where it was considered for one of the world’s most prestigious awards. 

This year’s Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Narges Mohammadi, an Iranian activist who continues to fight “against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all,” according to the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Ms. Mohammadi is currently incarcerated for her advocacy, and her selection demonstrates what we already know - the struggle for the right to live full and dignified lives and to determine the trajectory of one’s own life transcends borders and cultures. 

Whether you’re passionate about Clean Slate, voting rights, or some other issue, know that your contributions are worthwhile, valuable, and needed. Small ideas can bring about massive changes.