The Madison Equal Opportunities Commission is seeking nominations for the annual Reverend James C. Wright Human Rights Award. Nominations are due by Friday, July 22.
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.
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 for 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.
The Rev. James C. Wright Award criteria, as provided by the City of Madison Department of Civil Rights, are as follows:
1. Recipients may be an adult, youth, or organization.
2. Individuals must be residents of the Madison metropolitan area whose work has impacted the City of Madison.
3. Recipient must have been actively involved and/or provided leadership in grassroots-type effort(s) that is/are related to civil and/or human rights.
4. Recipient may not have been recognized for involvement for this particular program or effort by another group or organization in the last two years (but may have been recognized by other groups or organizations for other efforts).
5. Adults and organizations must have demonstrated a long-term commitment to civil and/or human rights in the Madison community or elsewhere.
6. Individuals or organizations must have demonstrated a dedication and commitment to treating people with respect and dignity.
7. Individuals may have been compensated for their work, but must also show a greater commitment to community service than simply their employment.
8. Individuals should share Reverend Wright’s dedication to and compassion for civil and human rights and conduct their daily life consistent with these values.
9. Members of the Department of Civil Rights, staff, Commissions and/or volunteers will not be eligible to receive the award.
The award(s) will be presented at the second City Council meeting in September.
To nominate somebody, click here.
