Citizens were encouraged to embrace diversity earlier this month.
The Prince William County Human Rights Commission held a Universal Human Rights Day event at the McCoart Administration Building in Woodbridge.
Pastor and teacher Art Jackson served as the keynote speaker, according to a release from the county.
“If we’re going to increase our competencies in human rights, in diversity, in inclusion, in being in the most diverse culture that has ever existed on the face of the earth, we’ve got to deal with people from all the way across the board,” Jackson told attendees. “We have to extend to them grace until they understand.”
The national anthem was sung by Faith Petit from Colgan High School in Manassas. Sean Mikesh from Colgan High School read a poem written by Langston Hughes and Victoria Cartagena from Graham Park Middle School in Triangle gave a violin performance.
Members of the community and local groups that have contributed to human rights received the 2019 Human Rights Awards.
Here is more information about the awardees:
- Phyllis Aggrey: She is the former Human Rights Commission director, a position she held for 18 years.
- John Harper: He was the first African-American to serve on the Prince William County School Board and the Prince William County Park Authority.
- Minnieville Elementary School’s Family Engagement Team: It has provided support to local families by offering English language programs, voter registration services and technology resources.
- National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Prince William County Chapter; Potomac Health Foundation; and Graham Park Middle School: They worked together to educate African-American youth and adults about mental health.
Supervisor Maureen Caddigan recognized the recipients.
“On behalf of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thank you for the important contributions you have made this year,” Caddigan said. “You have truly made a difference in Prince William County and beyond.”
