Mayor Dyer and Commissioners Honor Advocates at Civil Rights Ceremony

December 4, 2020 - ORLANDO, FL - As part of the City of Orlando’s commitment to inclusion and diversity, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orlando City Commissioners joined virtually with the community on Thursday to celebrate the City’s Third Annual Civil Rights Awards Ceremony, hosted by its Office of Human Relations. 

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. 

Dr. Fredrick Humphries, a longtime advocate for equal opportunity and equitable education for African Americans, was awarded the City of Orlando’s Civil Rights Award. His work with the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, the United Negro College Fund Pre-Medical Program, Fisk University and the State Board of Education Advisory Committee on the Education of Blacks in Florida established Humphries as a national fighter for HBCUs and enhanced opportunities for minorities in higher education.  

Former City of Orlando Commissioner Mable Butler was honored as this year’s Visionary Community Leader. As the first female African-American City of Orlando Commissioner and through her service as an Orange County Commissioner, her impact and influence can be seen throughout the community. Commissioner Butler has been a long time community leader and proponent for civil rights through service and advocacy, serving on a number of community and government boards. Butler was also active with the Human Relations Board at its inception in 1972. 

“Here in Orlando we continue to do all that we can to combat discrimination and work to ensure that everyone feels welcome and is equally valued and equally protected in our community,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “The Orlando Office of Human Relations and this event reaffirms the city’s continued dedication to working with our citizens to address injustice and prevent discrimination.” 

VISUALS: 
For award recipients photos, click here. 

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