2021 Annual Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame Inductees Announced
September 8, Columbus, OH - On October 7, 2021, the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC), along with sponsors Wright State University, Honda of America, and PNC, will host the Twelfth Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The Civil Rights Hall of Fame seeks to acknowledge outstanding Ohioans who are recognized as pioneers in human and civil rights and who have advanced the goals of equality and inclusion. This year the Commissioners of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission will also present a Community Spirit Award to an Ohioan who advances civil rights through contributions that benefit the community, fostering cooperation and collaboration between different entities to reach a single goal.
The 2021 Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame honorees are:
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Granville T. Woods (1856-1910) - Prolific inventor and engineer, nicknamed the “Black Edison."
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Waters Sumpter "W.S." McIntosh (1921-1974) - "Father of the Dayton Civil Rights Movement," who lead peaceful protests and demonstrations to end segregation and promote equality.
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Otto Beatty, Jr. (1940-2021) - Renowned public servant, businessman and lawyer dedicated to the advancement of minority-owned businesses and healthcare for all Ohioans.
Commissioners' Community Spirit Award
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Lydia J. Morgan - Creator and patron of Cincinnati's longstanding Juneteenth celebration
The Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame program will consist of a formal ceremony that will honor these inductees. Tracy Townsend, News Anchor for 10TV Columbus, will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies for this year’s event. Chair Lori Barreras of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission said, "We are so excited to once again come together to celebrate the lives and works of the extraordinary Ohioans who have made great contributions to civil rights."
The 2021 Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Thursday October 7, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in the Ohio Statehouse Atrium in Columbus, OH. The event is free and all members of the public are invited to attend the induction ceremony and the reception to be held in the Ohio Statehouse Rotunda immediately following. To maintain a safe environment, RSVPs are required to attend this year's event and guests will be required to wear masks.
Members of the public can RSVP at 2021ocrhof.eventbrite.com.
For more information, including biographies and photos of this year's inductees, visit the Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame page of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission website.
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