Yesterday at the McCoart Administration Building was the Universal Human Rights Day Celebration. It was an opportunity to recognize the rights of all individuals and honor those who have led the charge against discrimination. Sponsored by the Human Rights Commission, it also discussed how the county is moving forward in providing protections. The theme for this year’s event was “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All.”

They gave several awards to those members of the community who provided unique contributions to civil and human rights in the area. Among the winners were: PW President of the NAACP Reverend Cozy Bailey, Freedom Varsity football coach Darryl Overton, the National Coalition of 100 Black Woman, Inc. (in collaboration with Apple Federal Credit Union, John D Jenkins Elementary School and the SPARK Foundation), Tenants and Workers United and Woodbridge Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Reverend Bailey was among those who spoke with the PW Perspective’s Queenie McLean afterwards about what it meant. “It was a humbling occasion for me. This award is about coming together with the community to eliminate race-based discrimination and defend those who are subjected to it. It is an honor to be here, but we still have much more work to do.

County Executive Chris Shorter spoke about being able to recognize the winners. “I’m in awe about the history of human rights, and now we’re 30 years in having a program where residents and employees know that if they are being discriminated against, they have a place where they can be heard. They have a place where they know action will be taken. It’s great to know that Prince William County has provided that opportunity, but also excited to be able to award the men, women and organizations that were celebrated today.”

Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry highlighted that being here gives him the opportunity to learn something new. “It’s always an honor to see new recipients every year to help combat racism and issues of inequality. Today, I learned about the old Gar-Field High School and Ferlazzo building, and how it’s connected to where the Human Rights Commission actually sits. I think that connection is the full circle that we strive to see in the county.”

Find out more about the Human Rights Commission.