MEDIA RELEASE: MAYOR OF GARY TO DELIVER KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT CHAMPIONS OF CIVIL RIGHTS AWARDS DINNER

INDIANAPOLIS –The Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC), will host the Courage and Vision: Champions of Civil Rights Awards Dinner on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, in celebration of Juneteenth, ​the holiday that commemorates the emancipation of African Americans who were enslaved.

Karen Freeman-Wilson, Mayor of Gary, Indiana, will deliver the keynote address. "As former director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, I am honored to join the Commission and the Indiana Consortium as the keynote speaker for the inaugural conference dinner convening this summer,” said Karen Freeman-Wilson, Mayor of Gary, Indiana.’  “I am also excited as the conference will commemorate the Juneteenth Holiday established to honor freedom and the immeasurable contributions to America made by the African-American people.

Recognition will be given for outstanding performance in each of four categories: Freedom, Equity, Cultural Vision and Diversity and Inclusion. Doors will open at 6 PM and the program will begin at 6:30 PM at the Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel. 

The 2019 Courage & Vision Awards include:

• Freedom Award (Individual)
  The Freedom Award recognizes an individual who has shown outstanding leadership in efforts to provide resources and remove barriers for all Hoosiers, so that they may freely pursue happiness and prosperity unencumbered by discrimination.
• Equity Award (Individual or Community Organization)
  The Equity Award is given to an individual or community organization whose commitment to advancing civil rights is demonstrated by a commitment to equity, ensuring all people are equipped with the necessary tools to be successful and participate fully in society.
• Cultural Vision Award (Non-profit/Gov’t agency)
  The Cultural Vision Award honors a non-profit organization or government agency that has shown dedication to bringing communities together, bridging cultural divides, forging new partnerships, and fostering understanding as a means to advancing equality for all people.
• Diversity & Inclusion Award (Business Organization)
  The Diversity & Inclusion Award celebrates an organization operating in the private sector that exemplifies leadership in the development and support of strategies which result in diversity at all levels of the organization.

When: Wednesday, June 19, 2019, 6:30-8:30pm

Where: Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel, 31 W Ohio St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Who: Mayor of Gary, Indiana, Karen Freeman Wilson

Gregory L. Wilson, Executive Director, Indiana Civil Rights Commission 

Pamela Ross, Vice President of Opportunity, Equity and Inclusion, Central Indiana Community Foundation

David Williams, Political Reporter, WISH-TV

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About Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC)

The Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) enforces the civil rights laws of the State of Indiana. We investigate complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodation, credit and education. We also educate organizations, companies, landlords, associations, and individuals on their rights and responsibilities under Indiana civil rights laws and the mission to eradicate discrimination