Peace in the Pages
Peace in the Pages
Held annually every fall near Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, READ USA hosts a celebration of literacy and champions for literacy in our community. The purpose of the connection to Gandhi, who was a peaceful pioneer of freedom, is to promote the link between literacy and the values of empathy, peace, non-violence, health, education, freedom, leadership, and success.
READ USA presents seven local leaders with awards during the event, recognizing their commitment to literacy and closing the literacy gap in Duval County. The event is emceed by a local community leader every year and features inspirational teen and student testimonials of overcoming barriers and challenges through strength, perseverance, and pure personal dedication. Attending Peace in the Pages is our community’s opportunity to be inspired and motivated to solve illiteracy!
.png)
2023 Peace in the Pages
Thursday, September 28
11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.
TIAA Bank Field, Gallagher East Club
Presenting Sponsors:
David & Monique Miller
Read more about David and Monique here.
Congratulations to our 2023 Peace in the Pages
Award Winners!
-
READ to Lead Award: Betty Seabrook Burney, CEO of I’m a Star Foundation
-
READ to Succeed Award: Tim Cost, President of Jacksonville University
-
READ to be Free Award: Kevin Gay, Founder of Operation New Hope
-
READ to Heal Award: Nicole B. Thomas, President of Baptist Health
-
READ to Remember Award: Dr. Floyd Willis, Mayo Clinic
-
Marjorie Broward Memorial Award: Paula Findlay, Principal of Arlington Elementary
-
Mark Landen Memorial Award for Democracy through Journalism: Mark Woods, Reporter for the Florida Times-Union
Keynote Speaker:
Shelley Read
Emcee: Melanie Lawson, The Morning Show Anchor, News4Jax

Read more about Melanie here.
Our Host Committee:
Co-Chairs Ashley Szczukowski and Laura Phillips Edgecombe
Read more about Ashley and Laura here.