Universal Human Rights Day: 2020 Award Winners

Each year, the Prince William County Human Rights Commission invites the community to nominate individuals, nonprofit organizations or businesses that have made outstanding contributions to human rights in Prince William. Award winners are recognized during a breakfast marking Universal Human Rights Day. This year, HRC recognized 5 individuals and 1 team that embody its mission “to eliminate discrimination through civil and human rights law enforcement and to establish equal opportunity for all persons within the county through advocacy and education.”

During his remarks, Congressman Gerry Connolly Connolly noted that all of the honorees and their accomplishments had been included in the Congressional record.

“Here are people among us that we want to recognize for their individual efforts because that’s how human rights prevail – small community-based efforts that build. It doesn’t start necessarily at the top. It starts in our local community,” said Connolly.

Congratulations, and our deepest gratitude, to the 2020 award winners:

• Dr. Renee Chinn – Dr. Chinn serves as an advocate for women, young girls, and senior citizens throughout Prince William County.
• Emmitt & Vera Fletcher – The Fletchers are community activists who were instrumental in the renaming of Godwin Middle School to George Hampton Middle School by the Prince William County School Board.
• Yukiko Dove – Yukiko Dove is a tireless community advocate identifying gaps in services for the special needs community within Prince William County.
• Evelyn BruMar – Evelyn BruMar is dedicated to advancing equality in Prince William County through her tireless activism for the rights of our LGBT+ residents.
• Taalibah Hassan – Taalibah Hassan chairs the grassroots organization Unity in the Community. Unity in the Community works for cross-cultural understanding, building interfaith relationships, and educating the public about the consequences of discrimination, bullying and the laws against hate activity.  She also works promoting understanding of Islam in the broader community.
• Old Dominion (VA) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated – The mission of the Old Dominion (VA) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated, is to empower Prince William County students and their families through their STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Program to affect the achievement gap.