ORLANDO, FL — February 17, 2023 — The Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC) is excited to announce its recent Nobel Peace Prize nomination. The Nobel Peace Prize is considered to be the most prestigious award given to an individual or organization. The Nobel Peace Prize has been around for more than 100 years and includes a broad list of organizations including inventors, Presidents and individuals that have made some of the largest contributions known to mankind. 

“It feels just like yesterday we made history with the passage of Amendment 4, now this?” said FRRC Executive Director Desmond Meade. “To say we are humbled is an understatement, especially when we are being nominated during Black History Month by the same organization that nominated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and Quaker Peace and Social Witness (QPSW).”

In 1947, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the AFSC and QPSW (formerly Friends Service Council) for their work helping to feed starving children and helping Europe rebuild itself after two world wars. As former Nobel recipients, AFSC and QPSW have the privilege of making Nobel nominations. The organizations use their nominations to highlight the work of others continuing the vital work of peacebuilding.

AFSC said, “We are nominating FRRC for their work in building democracy, supporting the human right to representation by government, and working towards a better organized and peaceful world.”

FRRC was nominated because of its efforts to create a more inclusive democracy through the successful passage of Amendment 4, which restored voting rights for over 1.4 million Floridians with past felony convictions, and for its efforts to place people over politics in restoring dignity to returning citizens and removing unnecessary obstacles to successful reentry. 

As the first nomination of an organization led by people impacted by the criminal justice system, this serves as a reminder of the power of Second Chances and an inspiration to justice impacted people throughout the world.

“The nomination serves as a redemptive moment that highlights a deeper story involving the human spirit and people’s ability to triumph over adversity,” said Deputy Director Neil Volz. “We’ve always believed in the power of placing people at the center of our work, and how doing that benefits everyone. To be nominated for such a prestigious award is not only humbling and life-affirming, but validates our ongoing efforts.”

This nomination substantiates FRRC’s commitment to ensuring that the promise of Amendment 4 is fulfilled by every one of Florida’s 1.4 million returning citizens. We are committed to doing so in a way that fosters restoration, connects us along the lines of humanity, and allows love to be the driving force for a better future for everyone.

FRRC is appreciative of The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and Quaker Peace and Social Witness (QPSW) for this wonderful nomination. 

FRRC has also built powerful partnerships with the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, and Lebron James’ More Than a Vote Campaign. Due to these partnerships, Executive Director Desmond Meade will be at the All-Star game on Sunday in Salt Lake City, Utah and will be available for in-person interviews.