Nominations Sought For Howard County Human Rights Commission Awards

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Nominations are being sought by the Howard County Human Rights Commission for its 2023 James E. Henson, Sr. and Jean W. Toomer Individual, Dr. Murray Simon Student and Colette Roberts Organization awards.

Presented annually, these awards honor individuals and community organizations who have who have made significant contributions to human and civil rights in Howard County. The nomination deadline falls on Aug. 31.

"These awards celebrate Howard County residents and organizations who have courageously and selflessly served our great community through their tireless pursuit of advancing and defending human rights. We are calling upon our residents to help us identify those in our community whose work has gone above and beyond, and deserve to be recognized by our Human Rights Commission this year," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.

To be eligible for the Human Rights Commission’s awards:

• James E. Henson, Sr. and Jean W. Toomer Individual Award – individuals must live and/or work in Howard County.
• Dr. Murray Simon Student Award – students must live and/or attend school in Howard County, are no more than 26 years old and whose advocacy and service work are dedicated to Howard County.
• Colette Roberts Organization Award – organizations advocacy and service work must be dedicated to Howard County.

The nomination form can be found online or a hard copy can be requested by contacting the Office of Human Rights and Equity by calling 410-313-6430 or emailing hrc@howardcountymd.gov. Self-nominations are accepted.

Winners will be recognized at the 2023 Human Rights Commission Awards Ceremony Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center.