The recipient of the 2009 Peace and Dialog Award is Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero.

The award is presented to Mayor Bernero due to his significant contribution and commitment to diversity in our community. The award ceremony was held during the Annual Dialog and Friendship Dinner on September 17, 2009.

Niagara Foundation-Michigan started this new tradition in Michigan by giving Annual Peace & Dialog Awards to recognize individuals and organizations who contributed their time, energy, and leadership to the cause of dialog, peace, education, community service, tolerance and mutual understanding in Michigan.

Mayor Bernero has long understood the importance of diversity in our community. Mayor Bernero created the city’s first Office of Community and Faith-based Initiatives (OCFBI), which coordinates the City's human service activities and promotes minority business enterprises.  Last Spring, Mayor Bernero held his fourth annual Celebrating Diversity Day with over 1,000 attendees. The festival highlights the many cultural influences found in Lansing, including ethnic cuisine, language study, visual and musical arts, dance and numerous other activities. Mayor Bernero has also partnered with East Lansing Mayor Vic Loomis to establish the Mayors’ Ramadan Unity Dinner (now in its third year) with the net proceeds being donated to the Mid-Michigan and Greater Lansing Food Banks.