Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame: The Commission is Accepting Nominations!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 17, 2013

CONTACTS:
Frank Penela
(850) 488-7082 ext.1011

Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame: The Commission is Accepting Nominations!
- Honoring civil rights heroes-

Tallahassee – The Florida Commission on Human Relations (Commission) is now accepting nominations for the Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame. The deadline for submission of nominations is July 15, 2013. The judges will be looking for individuals who have made significant contributions and provided leadership toward Florida’s progress and achievements in civil rights.

“We are once again excited to be accepting nominations for next year’s Civil Rights Hall of Fame. This program honors leaders and advocates who have tirelessly worked to protect the rights of various populations throughout Florida,” said Michelle Wilson, Commission Executive Director. “We must continue our efforts to honor the civil rights pioneers who came before us and use their heroic stories as a way to educate and empower our next generation.”

Contributions of nominees can include community empowerment, legislative advocacy, grassroots organizing, coalition building, authored publications, organizational leadership, private and governmental entity diversity efforts and multicultural educational initiatives in any area of human and civil rights or related areas. Please visit http://fchr.state.fl.us/outreach/florida_civil_rights_hall_of_fame to view the rules, criteria, nomination form and other relevant information.

The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with administering the Florida Civil Rights Act and Florida Fair Housing Act. Fair treatment, equal access and mutual respect are the benchmarks of the Commission’s commitment. Through education and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination and costly litigation through teaching best business practices and fostering understanding amongst Floridians about their rights and responsibilities under both state and federal discrimination laws.

For more information, please visit http://fchr.state.fl.us or on Facebook.

Florida Commission on Human Relations Announces Winners of Poster Contest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACTS:
March 5, 2013 Frank Penela (850) 488-7082 ext.1011

Florida Commission on Human Relations Announces Winners of Poster Contest
~Celebrating Civil Rights Heroes spotlights Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame ~

Tallahassee–The Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) announced today that three middle school students have been awarded prizes for the Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame, Celebrating Civil Rights Heroes in Florida poster contest. The contest spotlights the Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame, which serves as a permanent reminder of the courage and sacrifices of civil rights pioneers who helped to build today’s Florida.

Middle and high school students were challenged to design and create a poster that reflects the importance of civil rights in Florida and highlight individuals who have made significant contributions toward Florida’s progress and achievements in human and civil rights.

“We are very excited to award these young Floridians for their knowledge of the civil rights struggles that took place in Florida,” said Michelle Wilson, executive director of the Florida Commission on Human Relations. “Their originality, imagination, and talent should inspire us all.”

The winners are:

1st place- Mr. Ricardo Morrell, Seventh grader, Centennial Middle School, Cutler Bay, FL

2nd Place-Miss Neha Manikal, Seventh grader, RJ Murray Middle School, St. Augustine, FL

3rd Place-Mr. Muhammad Ayyasy, Seventh grader, Fairview Middle School, Tallahassee, FL

Each youth will receive a prepaid gift card of $100, $50 and $25 respectively. Their posters will also be recognized at the Capitol during the Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on April 24, 2013, and will be displayed throughout the day’s event.

The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with administering the Florida Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act. Fair treatment, equal access and mutual respect are the benchmarks of the Commission’s commitment. Through education and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination and costly litigation through teaching best business practices and fostering understanding amongst Floridians.