Nominations are being sought for the 2010 North Carolina A&T State University Human Rights Medal. The deadline to submit materials is 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, 2009.

Established by the university’s ninth chancellor, James Carmichael Renick, to recognize individuals who have endeavored to correct social injustice and have significantly contributed to the betterment of the world, the award honors individuals whose courageous actions are a reflection of the extraordinary action against social injustice that was demonstrated on Feb. 1, 1960, by four N.C. A&T freshmen – Ezell Blair Jr. (Jibreel Khazan), Franklin Eugene McCain, Joseph Alfred McNeil and David Richmond Jr. The “Greensboro Four” led a group of students to take a stand for justice by sitting down at the segregated lunch counter of the F.W. Woolworth Store in downtown Greensboro. This action began a wave of similar sit-ins by college students across the South.

Candidates for this award are selected from nominations submitted to the Committee for Awards, Honorary Degrees and Founders/Honors Day. Committee membership is appointed by the chancellor from A&T faculty and staff. The committee adheres to the criteria listed below when reviewing candidates. Following the committee’s review, the chair sends recommendations to the chancellor, who announces the honoree.

Eligibility

The North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Human Rights Medal is presented to an individual who has had a positive impact on correcting social injustices and other humanitarian activities. Other humanitarian activities might include human welfare and social reform, acts of heroism, promotion of fellowship, dedication to technological discovery, academic advancements or contributions, diplomatic endeavors, and community contributions.

Nominees for the Human Rights Medal are evaluated according to actions demonstrated by the individual and the scope of his or her contribution within the community.

Any outstanding individual who has had a positive impact on humanity is eligible to receive this award for one or more of the following reasons: correcting social injustice, heroism, promotion of fellowship, technological discovery, academic contributions, diplomatic achievements, human welfare, social reform, and/or significant community contributions.

Anyone may nominate. The nominator should include clear and complete contact information for herself/himself. Nominations must be received by 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, 2009. Forward all entries to the following address:

Committee for Awards, Honorary Degrees, and Founders/Honors Day
c/o Office of the Chancellor
1601 East Market St.
Greensboro, NC 27411

For complete details, contact (336) 334-7940.

The winner will be notified in December and invited to accept the award at the Sit-In Breakfast marking the 50th anniversary of the Greensboro Sit-In Movement, Monday, Feb. 1, 2010. The recipient must be able to accept the award in person at the Sit-In Breakfast, which will be held at The Empire Room in downtown Greensboro. Another condition of the award is that the honoree must give a lecture at a mutually agreed upon campus event.