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Presented annually at the EOC Diversity Picnic, The Reverend James C. Wright Human Rights Award honors the late Reverend James C. Wright who served as Executive Director of the Equal Opportunities Commission from its inception in 1968 until his retirement in 1992. The award, is given to an individual who best exemplifies the Rev. Wright's dedication and compassion for civil and human rights and conducts their daily life consistent with these values.

This year marks the Fourteenth presentation of the award. The Equal Opportunities Commission's Selection Committee selected Mrs. Darlene Hancock as the 2009 award recipient. The award will be presented at the Annual Celebration of Diversity Picnic on Thursday, July 16, 2009 at Warner Park at 6 PM. The public is invited to attend the picnic which begins at 5 PM.

Mrs. Hancock, was married for 50 years to Alan Hancock, is the mother of one son, grandmother of two and a great grandmother. She retired from the Madison Metropolitan School District in 1996, having been the first African-American female principal. Mrs. Hancock has been an active member of the community and was instrumental in the founding of several organizations in the community, including the Madison Metropolitan Chapter of the LINKS, Alpha Kappa Alpha's - Kappa Psi Omega chapter and the S.S. Morris A.M.E church. She continues to play an active role in these organizations and other such as the Genesis Development Corporation, Top Ladies of Distinction. In her nomination, it was stated that "she is committed to making a difference".

Past recipients of this distinguished award include: Jacqueline Wright, 1996; Dr. Richard H. Harris, 1997; Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson; 1998; Helen Vukelich, 1999; Anthony "Nino" Amato, 2000; John Noreika, Sr., 2001;Dr. John Y. Odom, 2002; Peter Mu?oz in 2003; Earnestine Moss in 2004; Jonathan "Jon" Gramling in 2005; Agnes Gutierrez Cammer in 2006; Jeffery Erlanger in 2007 and Professor Richard Davis in 2008

Contacts

  • Annie Weatherby Flowers, 608 266-6577

Agency: 
Civil Rights