With this week as history-laden as it is, it seems that all bloggers (on the micro and macro scale), are taking time to give props to the rad folks who are keeping the history of all-around do-gooder-ship (you can tellI made that one up, right?) alive. Thus far, Google Reader has delivered to my blog-hungry soul entry after entry covering the extraordinary efforts of this collective, or that activist in order to highlight the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King and the progress illustrated by the dynamic achievements of Barack Obama. I am happy to note that one of those driven and inspiring people lauded was NetSquared friend, colleague and associate, Justin Massa.

Massa met up with NetSquared in the first half of 2008 when he entered MoveSmart.org into the 3rd annual Mashup Challenge. Based in Chicago, one of the most rigidly segregated cities in the country, Massa founded MoveSmart as a way to address housing and integreation issues in a 21st century fashion.

From the site:

When launched, the site will layer information on neighborhood amenities, quality of life indicators, affordable housing opportunities, and the services and programs of community based organizations over an interactive map. These maps will be complimented by guides, tools, calculators, worksheets, and an innovative social network that will connect new residents with community-based organizations and new neighbors, making MoveSmart.org a one-stop resource for housing seekers looking for a better neighborhood.

Since entered MoveSmart into the Mashup Challenge, Massa has worked with NetSquared on several projects. It's also fair to mention that I work with Justin, respect him greatly, and consider him a dear friend. And now, apparently based on his mention as being a "social innovator who would make MLK proud" in Change.org's Social Entrepreneurship blog, it looks like a lot of folks are paying attention to his work.

Many, many congratulations, Justin.