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A Greensboro nonprofit dedicated “to realizing the dignity and worth of all people” has been named a 2008 Defender of Justice, an award given annually by the nonprofit North Carolina Justice Center.

The Beloved Community Center was chosen as one of this year’s six recipients for the group’s “dedication” to making North Carolina a “fairer and more just state,” according to an announcement Tuesday from the organization, which highlights those who have made significant contributions to the fight against poverty in the state.

The Greensboro organization is modeled after Martin Luther King’s vision of a “beloved community.” It was selected for its award under the grass-roots empowerment category and was lauded for “its efforts to secure policy changes that improve the lives of minorities and low-income people.”

The organization made news recently working with Latin gang members but was honored for its effort to secure a living wage law in Greensboro; helping organize the Greensboro Truth and Community Reconciliation Project; the Homeless Hospitality House and the Community Dialogue on Education.

The Rev. Nelson Johnson, director of the Beloved Community Center, could not be reached for comment.

Other honorees include state Rep. Jennifer Weiss of Cary for her commitment to protecting consumers from predatory practices and Juvencio Rocha Peralta Jr. of AMEXCAN in Greenville for his work for immigrants’ rights in North Carolina. Jane Perkins of the National Health Law Program was also recognized for fighting to expand access to health care.

Tickets for the Sept. 25 awards ceremony at the American Tobacco Historic Complex in Durham are available by calling (919) 856-2575 or e-mailing jill@ncjustice.org.

Contact Nancy H. McLaughlin at 373-7049 or nancy.mclaughlin@news-record.com