PA Human Relations Commission Announces Montgomery County Civil Rights Award Winners

Commission Executive Director Homer C. Floyd Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission today announced the winners of the commission's Montgomery County Advisory Council Joseph X. Yaffe–Robert Johnson Smith Civil Rights Awards. The annual awards recognize community, law enforcement, religion and education leaders who have advanced civil rights, equal opportunity or intergroup relations in Montgomery County.

"These extraordinary people deserve our recognition and thanks," Commission Chairperson Stephen A. Glassman said. "By promoting equal opportunity and diversity, whether in the workplace, school, or community, these heroes have improved our lives and the lives of generations to come.

"In particular, Homer Floyd has devoted his entire working life to protecting the rights of others and making Pennsylvania and our nation a more just and equitable place to live, work and learn," Glassman said.  "His remarkable career in civil rights spans nearly five decades, during which he has witnessed and been a catalyst for tremendously positive change."

The awards are named for two prominent Montgomery County civil rights leaders and Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission chairpersons.  Awards have been made since 1983 by the commission's Montgomery County Advisory Council, which is currently chaired by Dr. Donald L. Clark of Willow Grove.

Award categories include Lifetime Achievement, Law Enforcement, Advocacy for Equal Opportunity, Education, Student Service, Ethnic Harmony and Community Service.  

Honorees will be recognized at a luncheon at noon on May 13 at the Williamson Restaurant, 500 Blair Mill Road in Horsham, Montgomery County. The event is open to the public and tickets are $25.  

Corporate sponsorships are also available and will help underwrite the Montgomery County Community Education Equity Summit to be held Sept. 25 in partnership with Montgomery County Community College.  

To order tickets or find out more about corporate sponsorships, contact Milagros Vega in the commission's Philadelphia office at 215-965-7709.

Media contact: Shannon Powers, 717-783-8266

Editor's Note: Following is a list of winners and the categories in which they are honored. With the exception of Homer C. Floyd, all winners are Montgomery County residents.

• Cheryl Lynne Austin, Abington – Law Enforcement
• Olivia Coleman, Pottstown – Student Service (Grades 6-12)
• Ruth M. Damsker, Gwynedd – Advocacy for Equal Opportunity
• Janet Hartzel, Souderton – Community Service
• Homer C. Floyd, Harrisburg – Lifetime Achievement
• Andrea Lawful-Trainer, Glenside – Education
• Rita Paez, Pottstown – Ethnic Harmony

SOURCE Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission

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