Creative Cone Awards

Atop a picturesque West Virginia mountain, creative minds gathered last week to discuss how to move West Virignia in new directions. These West Virginians are interested in ways to create a state that thrives on "innovation, artistic vision, connectivity, diversity, entrepreneurship, technology and growth. In short – a West Virginia for the New Economy. "

At the conclusion of the three-day Create West Virginia conference at Snowshoe, the organization honored people from around the state who have embraced this mission and taken tangible steps to fulfill it in their communities.

In our community, Revs. Matthew Watts and Ron English won Creative Cone Awards for their work on diversity in the Charleston community. Unfortunately, the Charleston community has suffered some tragic domestic violence incidents and hate crimes in the last year. These two men have taken a stance against all acts of violence in our community. They are standing for tolerance, acceptance and love, for embracing diversity and sharing in our commonalities rather than focusing on our differences.

Rev. Watts spoke at the Silent No More domestic violence vigil earlier this month at the YWCA. His comments were inspiring that night. Domestic violence isn't just a violent act against women. It affects our entire community, Rev. Watts said. He believes it's the men's role in our community to protect the young women. To do so means to not accept any acts of violence. We applaud Rev. Watts for taking a strong stand against all violence in our community and congratulate him for his recognition at Create West Virginia.