Father Boyle, Malin Burnham among winners of annual Peacemaker Awards

April 03-- Apr. 3--Father Gregory Boyle, a Jesuit priest who has spent three decades running a much-lauded gang intervention and rehabilitation program in Los Angeles, will be among the honorees Saturday at the National Conflict Resolution Center's 31st annual Peacemaker Awards dinner in San Diego.

He will be recognized as the National Peacemaker for his work with Homeboy Industries, which assists 10,000 gang members annually through job training, anger management, parenting classes, tattoo removal, and other services. All are linked by what the organization says was a radical approach when it started: treating gang members as human beings.

Boyle's 2010 book, "Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion," was a New York Times best seller. He was also the subject of a 2012 documentary, "G-Dog," and the recipient of a California Peace Prize.

Local business leader Malin Burnham will receive the Philanthropy in Peacemaking award. He's been involved with dozens of local boards and committees, helping to bring the America's Cup races, the Midway Museum and the Olympic Training Center to San Diego County.

"Community Before Self: Seventy Years of Making Waves," his 2016 book, is a memoir and how-to guide that outlines the principles that have guided him through three careers: competitive sailor, businessman and philanthropist.

The non-profit National Conflict Resolution Center, founded in 1983, hands out the annual awards to help "shine a bright light on the importance of civility, peacemaking and social justice in a world filled with conflict."

This year's ceremony will also recognize four "Community Heroes." They are:

--Steve Binder, a deputy public defender, for his work combating homelessness through the San Diego Homeless Court Program.

--Imam Taha Hassane, director of the Islamic Center of San Diego, for bringing together people of different faiths to tackle divisive issues.

--Bishop Cornelius Bowser, for trying to prevent gang-related gun violence through the Community Assistance Support Team.

--Kim Sontag-Mulder, president of the National Organization for Women'sSan Diego chapter, for her work on gender equity.

Saturday's event begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Hilton Bayfront. Ticket information: ncrconline.com.

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