Hawaiian patriot Jonathan Kamakawiwo`ole Osorio is the winner of the 2010 Clopton award.
A professor in Manoa’s Hawai`inuiakea School of Hawaiian Knowledge, Jon has devoted his life to becoming an expert on Hawai`i politics and history, music and identity, and indigenous civil rights and social justice.
His community service is imbued with the gracious spirit of `ohana that values children, elders and kupuna and allies and friends.
“Jon is one of very few professors I know who regards community service with the same passion and commitment that he gives to academic teaching and research,” says a colleague.
“His writing, teaching, speeches, advocacies on behalf of his own people and church, as well as his music of loss, love and hope have touched the minds and hearts of thousands of people across the region we call Oceania.”
“Professor Osorio is praised for his inspirational work and contributions as an insightful, caring and intellectual leader,” says Manoa Chancellor Virginia S. Hinshaw.
“In every indigenous community, there are those who are called to the role of moving their communities through hardship to transformation, and he has responded to the call in such a gracious manner.
He has truly made a deep impact in the lives of so many people, as well as on numerous communities across the region.”
