Madison community leader Dr. Corinda Rainey-Moore is the prestigious 2026 recipient of the Rev. James C. Wright Human Rights Award.
The City of Madison Equal Opportunities Division (EOD) and the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) present the Rev. James C. Wright Human Rights Award annually to an individual who best exemplifies civil rights pioneer Rev. Wright’s dedication and compassion for civil and human rights and conducts their daily life consistent with these values.
“Receiving the James C. Wright Award is both an incredible honor and a deeply humbling experience,” Rainey-Moore tells Madison365. “As we are coming close to the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, we know that there is so much work that has been done and yet still more to be done. I accept this recognition with profound gratitude, knowing that no meaningful work is ever accomplished alone. I have been blessed to walk alongside remarkable mentors, colleagues, community partners, family, and friends who have inspired, challenged, and supported me throughout this journey.
“For me, this award is not simply about personal achievement, it reflects the countless individuals and communities who have trusted me to stand beside them in the pursuit of equity, justice, opportunity, and hope,” she adds. “Every conversation, every partnership, and every act of service has reinforced my belief that treating every person with dignity, humanity, and respect regardless of their circumstance is not just a value — it is a responsibility.”
Rev. Wright worked during the 1960s to bring about the adoption of the City of Madison’s Equal Opportunities Ordinance. Wright served as a member of the Equal Opportunities Commission prior to his appointment as executive director of the Equal Opportunities Commission. During his years with the City, he spearheaded the drafting of the City’s first affirmative action ordinance and developed a complaint resolution process for the Equal Opportunities Commission that provided a make-whole remedy for victims of discrimination. Under his leadership, the Equal Opportunities Ordinance was recognized as one of the most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation in the country.
“Knowing James C. Wright, Mother Wright and [daughter] Deana Wright and how the family served this community makes this award so very meaningful,” Rainey-Moore says. “James C. Wright’s legacy reminds us that leadership is measured not by titles, but by our willingness to serve others with integrity, courage, and compassion. I strive each day to honor those principles by listening to our communities, advocating for those whose voices are too often unheard, and creating pathways that improve health, education, and quality of life for future generations.”
Rainey-Moore is the community engagement manager with Unity Point Health-Meriter, where she leads community investment efforts. Rainey-Moore has been recognized as one of the Most Influential African-Americans in Wisconsin by Madison365, was the 2017 Athena Award winner from The Business Forum, and was the recipient of the YWCA Madison Women of Distinction Award in 2016.
She has also won the Restorative Justice Peacemaker Award, the Urban League of Greater Madison Presidential Award, the Black Women Rock Visionary Leader Award, and the Madison College Outstanding Teacher Award. She has been recognized as a Brava Magazine Woman to Watch, an In Business Magazine Woman of Industry in Advocacy, and a Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation Champion in Women’s Health.
“While I am grateful for this recognition of the Rev. Wright Award, I also see it as a renewed call to action,” Rainey-Moore says. “There is still important work ahead to eliminate disparities, strengthen our communities, and ensure that every person has the opportunity not just to live but to thrive. I remain committed to building bridges, fostering partnerships, and inspiring others to lead with purpose and compassion.
“I share this award with every person who believed in me and with every individual whose resilience has strengthened my own resolve,” she adds. “More importantly, I share this award with my family: my husband, Bobby, my two daughters, Kenyatta and Kionna, and my nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild who have given me the time and space to do the things that are needed to be of service to others without any complaints. I am thankful for this extraordinary honor. I promise to continue this work with the same passion, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice and service that this award represents.”
Beyond her awards and accolades, Rainey-Moore has volunteered for and continues to volunteer for numerous organizations, including Madison College, Safe Communities, Madison Network of Black Professionals, Leadership Wisconsin, Boys and Girls Club, NAMI, Urban League of Greater Madison, Urban League of Greater Madison Young Professionals, Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness, Madison Black Women Rock, and the Madison Reading Project.
“When my life is over, I don’t want people to remember that I won the Rev. James C. Wright Award. I want them to say that because I lived, more people believed they belonged. Others saw their humanity and believed in their worth and their value,” Rainey-Moore says. “If our success doesn’t open doors for someone else, then it isn’t success at all. That is what Reverend Wright did for people like me and what I hope that I am doing for others. This is why this award is so important to me.”
The Rev. James C. Wright Human Rights Award will be presented to Rainey-Moore at the City-County Building, 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Room 201, on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 6:30 pm. The public is welcome to attend.
