BACI Executive Director Elaisa Vahnie Honored with MLK Humanitarian Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2025
INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 17, 2025 — The Indiana Civil Rights Commission has named Elaisa Vahnie, Executive Director of Burmese American Community Institute (BACI), as the 2025 MLK Humanitarian Award recipient for his leadership, advocacy for democracy, humanitarian works, and his contributions to the State of Indiana.
In Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech he said, “I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality, and freedom for their spirits.”
The Humanitarian Award is presented to an individual who has continued this legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the areas of economic development, poverty reduction and social justice.
“I am deeply humbled and honored by this award. This honor is a recognition of the entire Burmese community, all our friends and all our partners,” said Mr. Vahnie. “We are deeply appreciative and profoundly thankful to our state and national leaders for creating and fostering a policy environment in which everyone is welcome, and treated equally with respect and dignity, and can dream the American dream. That is the type of Unity I believe Dr. Martin Luther King envisioned.”
Dr. Bruce Ray, member of the Board of Directors of BACI, said, “I would like to express my sincere appreciation for Executive Director Elaisa Vahnie who selflessly and tirelessly provides extraordinary leadership, founded in vision, dedication and passion, to Burmese American Community Institute, to our shared community and to society. His transformative leadership and dedication empower and improve the lives of countless people, with integration, education, advocacy, and economic opportunities. He is most deserving of this award.”
The Humanitarian Award was presented at the 34th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Indiana Holiday Celebration today held at the Indiana Statehouse.
Media Contact:
Lian Sang, Programs Director
Burmese American Community Institute
317.731.5537
info@baci-indy.org
Elaisa Vahnie, the Humanitarian Award recipient delivering the award Acceptance Speech.
About Burmese American Community Institute
Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) is a non-profit organization founded in 2011 that provides educational and vocational support to the Burmese community in greater Indianapolis. BACI also serves newcomers from around the world and supports community members regionally, nationally, and globally through new initiatives, collaborative and strategic partnerships, and advocacy.
