On May 17, Mike Rhodes received the Fresno Center for Nonviolence (FCNV) Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his dedication to peace and social and economic justice.
Rhodes co-founded the Community Alliance newspaper in 1996, and he served as editor for more than a decade and later as executive director. He retired from the latter role earlier this year for health reasons.
Rhodes has a long history of organizing and journalism in Fresno.
“I was very moved to receive this honor, the first time the Fresno Center for Nonviolence has given a lifetime achievement award. In fact, I was so excited that I left my walker behind and walked right up to the podium. This is the first time I was able to stand for that long,” wrote an emotional Rhodes on a Facebook post.
The award presentation, held at Fresno City College (FCC), was part of an event celebrating the FCNV’s 33rd anniversary.
The event included a panel discussion titled “Resistance Movements: Then & Now,” with panelists Paul Gilmore, professor of history at FCC; Bob McCloskey, a local journalist; and Loretta Kensinger, professor of women’s studies at Fresno State, and moderated by Gerry Bill.
