A South Sudanese from Central Equatoria living in Canada was awarded a North American civil rights prize for defence of ideals of social responsibility, political empowerment, diversity, racial harmony and nonviolence.
Justin Laku received today the Dr Martin Luther King Junior Dream Keepers of the Dream Award in Washington DC.He told CRN News yesterday before leaving for Washington DC that he dedicated the award to all martyrs who died for the independence of South Sudan.
Mr Laku said the prize was not for him but for the people of South Sudan.
He added that he fought for independence and against tribalism and corruption using pen and paper.
Mr Laku pledged to continue his struggle for civil rights in South Sudan, including corruption, human rights, development, nepotism and tribalism.
Mr Laku explained that the award was a tribute to Dr Martin Luther King Junior who fought in 1960s against injustice and racial discrimination in USA through non-violence.
He said the award charged him with the responsibility to fight the major issues facing South Sudan including inequality, inclusive government and education for all.
Mr Laku was the first non-North American citizen to receive the Dr Martin Luther King Junior Dream Keepers of the Dream Award.
He is the founder of Canadian Friends of Sudan.