The Greensboro Human Rights Commission is once again asking for the public’s help in finding a local hero.
The commission is now accepting nominations for the “Everyday Champion of Civil Rights Award” – which will be presented during the city’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast early next year. The theme of the 2026 breakfast is “From Words to Action: Advancing the Dream Together.”
Each year, the MLK Breakfast Committee recognizes someone who has gone above and beyond in advancing civil rights, human rights or civil liberties in Greensboro. The award was created in 2023, and this year will mark the 10th time a city resident has been honored.
In 2025, Turkesshia Moore received the recognition.
Nominations are open to anyone – regardless of age or occupation – who has made a meaningful contribution to civil rights in the city.
Posthumous nominations are also accepted.
According to city officials, nominees should have demonstrated “dedication or achievement beyond what may be expected in the normal course of an individual’s or organization’s work.”
The deadline for nominations is Friday, Nov. 21. Submissions can be made online through the city’s website and the winner will be announced and honored at the 2026 MLK Breakfast, scheduled for Monday, Jan. 19.
For questions, area residents can call Human Rights Department Coordinator of Outreach and Education Paula Washington at 336-373-2038.
The Human Rights Commission is charged with promoting fair treatment, respect and mutual understanding among all Greensboro residents. More information is available at www.greensboro-nc.gov/hrc.
Why is it whenever there is a mention of civil rights, it is associated with Blacks? What about others. Are Blacks the arbiter of civil rights? Winner to be announced at MLK Breakfast? Civil Rights guarantee equal participation in political and social life. Please enumerate the civil rights denied by Blacks or any other such group? Political? That’s a hard sell when the Chairman of County Commissioners is Skip Alston, or any other elected Black in office. Social life? Skip Alston has an eponymous golf tournament coming up. Government ensures civil rights. If Blacks or anyone are being denied civil rights, look to a government (federal, state) for remedy. In my estimation, whomever is nominated must demonstrate their efforts directed at government. Civil liberties on the other hand, are guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. Are there individuals in Guilford County who are denied free speech or the right to protest; are denied religious freedom; are denied trial by jury; are there other civil liberties being denied? So much has changed in America since the 60s, but not the language of civil rights.
The exposed chats of the adult leaders of the young republicans proves there is still a great deal of racism to over come. The knee jerk reaction of so many conservatives attempts to discount the impact of those chats further exposed the deep racism with many corners of the conservative party require attention.
Chris, chats and texts between Blacks about Whites would be very interesting. What would those exchanges reveal? Something along the same lines as the chats you are referring to above. Why do Blacks insist calling such remarks as evidence of racism? It may show a low opinion of Blacks as a group, but it is not racism. No one would act to do harm to a Black person as result of the remarks. And why do you think anyone would hold a low opinion of Blacks? It is NOT because of skin color. It is because of resentment from DEI, it is because of preferential treatment expected and given to Blacks, it is because of being in a state of victimhood ad nauseam, it is a sense of entitlement when a Black falls short in attaining a goal. Blacks’ feelings are hurt with the kind of remarks in the chat. But hurt feelings is NOT racism.
What about the exchange between Jay Jones (VA) and Carrie Coyner (VA) when Jay Jones wrote “Three people, two bullets Gilbert, Hitler, and Pol Pot Gilbert gets two bullets to the head Spoiler: put Gilbert in the crew with the two worst people you know and he receives both bullets every time.” And suggested he wished Gilbert’s wife could watch her own child die in her arms. Jones identifies as Black, Gilbert is White. Do I believe that Jones’ comments are racist? No. He is just a spoiled politician who was born with privilege and expects that whatever he says or does has no effect on him personally. Few Blacks have supported Jones but Whites, on the other hand have lined up in support. So much for racism.
If you defend the use of the terms used in those chats as acceptable in any context you are just making my point for me. Not shocked.
The big different in awful statements by Jone and Coyner is that they received bi-partisan condemnation unlike Trump and Vance defending the young republican leader’s language.
But you be you.
My opinion and my belief are that the comments are not evidence of racism. Stop trying to find racism in everything that hurts your feelings.
As far as Jones and Coyner statements, Coyner tried unsuccessfully to point out how unacceptable Jones’ comments were. Coyner made no awful statement. Are you sure you are aware of the details? As far as Jones, I was merely pointing out that he is a spoiled, entitled Black from Norfolk, VA and that is why he said the things he did, not because he is a racist. He has been asked to withdraw from the race, but he never will because he thinks he is entitled to be elected Attorney General of Virginia because he is Black and he is Jay Jones. Anyone who fanaticizes about a man and his children being murdered is not qualified to serve as attorney general, or any office. Let’s hope the voters in VA understand the importance of the position and send him packing back to Norfolk and Mommy and Daddy.
Calling people of color Watermelon people isn’t racist? Get bent.
Classic conservative to deny need for accountability for actions of conservatives yet call for accountability of someone on the left for equally offensive statements. Classic conservative hypocrisy.
Your comment history here ensures that I am not shocked you are happy to excuse such blatant racist comments by conservatives.
But you be you.
My race of people are sometimes disparagingly referred to as “sheepshaggers”, because there are more sheep in Wales than people.
Is that racist?
Or are you one of those Leftist hypocrites who believe that any insult of white races is nothing to be concerned about, but who clutch their pearls in horror at any depiction of black people that isn’t politically correct?
Differentiating between funny and racist name-calling depends on several factors, including the intent, the historical context of the word, and the impact on the person being targeted. What one person perceives as a joke can be deeply offensive and harmful to another, especially if it relies on stereotypes.
I don’t know much Welsh history but since I assume this is white people calling white people names, if it is intended maliciously, it is more cultural bigotry. Or it’s just considered good fun. Context matters. Here in the US, southerners can often face cultural bigotry with broad assumptions of ignorance and simplemindedness.
Calling a black person watermelon people has a long history of hate and bigotry in the US. To ignore that is you just defending racism because it is easier for you to pretend it doesn’t exist than actually have to face the ongoing issues of racism in this country.
Hope that helps.
No, I am not defending racism, so stop – just stop – your lying character assassination of everyone who disagrees with you.
You’re an a**hole.
Are you not attempting to deflect from the young republicans use of highly offensive racist language by bringing up some obscure cultural name callings in your homeland? Oh right, you don’t like your words to be considered in the broader context of the discussion given your challenges with reading comprehension. Got it.
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You don’t “got it” at all, buddy. You’re either breathtakingly stupid or you’re deliberately misrepresenting the other person’s position – which you do all the time.
I’m nominating Billy Yow
I second your nomination!!
That’s why I nominate Skip Alston for the Everyday Champion of Civil Rights Award. Because every day…………
Bingo Peter! Try to explain that to Chris.
our teachers.
Whites love sweet watermelons as much as anyone. I recall that years ago it was common for a young kid, mostly male, to call another kid, mostly male, watermelon head. That was meant as an insult. Maybe the chat group meant their comment as an insult. But the comment is not racist. It was not meant to oppress Blacks because the comments were made in private and not meant to be shared. Maybe something like when Blacks call Whites names in private, you know, like cracker, or Nazi, or oppressor. The comments were not made to demonstrate some racial superiority. Get over yourself, Chris. Blacks are not universally liked because they are black. And Whites are not universally like because they are white.
MLK is almost all of our Civil Rights Champions. If you have to search here for one, you ain’t got one.
too many mlk ‘clones’ all men exhorters in formal clothing elvis impersonators influencers
Is it Al?
He wasn’t any bigger than JFK
I nominate myownself.
As the local leader of the pack, what would you like to accomplish?
you own ‘self’ ? have you paid the self ownership tax ? slaves don’t pay property tax ! 213* in my $27 solar oven cooking salmon & mixed vegs – it’s a slow cook long duration method. clear winter sun gets the job dun
I nominate CHRIS! All in favor??