Civil Rights Advocates at Second Annual Civil Rights Award Ceremony

Last updated on April 05, 2019

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and City Commissioners Honor Local Civil Rights Advocates at Second Annual Civil Rights Award Ceremony

ORLANDO, Fla. (April 5, 2019) – As part of the City of Orlando’s commitment to inclusion and diversity Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orlando City Commissioners joined with the community last night to celebrate the Second Annual Civil Rights Awards Ceremony.

During the event, the city honored those in the Orlando community who have dedicated their lives to fight for civil rights and equality. This year’s award winners were chosen for their exemplary community leadership and the significant contributions that each has made within the community.

Father Nelson Pinder, also known as the “Street Priest”, began his fight for civil rights in the 1960’s when he was responsible for organizing sit-ins and protests that helped to advance civil rights in the City of Orlando. Father Pinder was awarded the City of Orlando’s Civil Rights Award on Thursday evening for his continued leadership and selfless contributions to the cause of civil rights.

Kran Riley was honored as this year’s Visionary Community Leader for his work and dedication advocating on behalf of the community’s most vulnerable citizens. Riley is also the former president of the local NAACP, serves as a committee chair for the Orange County Public School’s Unitary Status Advisory and Oversight Committee and has dedicated years of service to the Orlando Mayor’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission.

“Here in Orlando we continue to do all that we can to combat discrimination and work to ensure that everyone feels welcome and has a place in our community,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “The Orlando Office of Human Relations and this event reaffirms the city’s continued dedication to providing access to the resources our citizens need to address injustice and prevent discrimination.”

Members of the City of Orlando’s first Human Relations Board were also honored at the event.  The board was led by Mr. Albert Nelson, who was hired as the city’s first Human Relations Official in 1972 by Mayor Carl T. Langford. Other former board members in attendance included former City Commissioner Ernest Page, former City Commissioner Mable Butler, Dick Batchelor and Wardell Sims.

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