Kennedy honor goes to Mayor Jay Williams

BOSTON — Mayor Jay Williams is among two individuals who will be honored Wednesday by The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation and Harvard’s Institute of Politics.

Williams is a recipient of the New Frontier Award, given annually to a American under the age of 40 who is changing their community — and country — through their commitment to public service. Williams flew to Boston for the ceremony held at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

The award is presented by Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the late president.

By phone from Boston, Williams said he was happy to accept the award, in part because it is reflective of changing attitudes toward the Mahoning Valley.

“Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley are being looked upon very positively,” he said.

The New Frontier Award is granted to individuals who espouse the ideals of President Kennedy, according to Cathy McLaughlin, executive director of Harvard's Institute of Politics and a member of the award committee. The former president spoke of “The New Frontier,” pressing listeners to reach out for innovative solutions to modern problems.

“Mayor Williams has displayed visionary leadership and bold, ‘outside the box thinking’ in working to improve the quality of life for those he serves,” said McLaughlin.

Also honored in the ceremony was Zainab Salbi, an Iraqi-born American citizen who founded Women for Women International, a nonprofit organization that mobilizes women worldwide to help women survivors of war.