ELLICOTT CITY, MD – The Howard County Human Rights Commission has announced the winners of its 2024 Human Rights Awards: Dwanna Nicole (recipient of the James E. Henson Sr. & Jean W. Toomer Award); Columbia (MD) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (recipient of the Colette Roberts Organization Award); and Ishaan Busireddy (recipient of the Dr. Murray Simon Student Award).
This year’s winners are a testament to the amazing residents and organizations who commit their time, expertise and resources to improving our community for all. We are so fortunate to have you in Howard County and we thank you for your selfless work, devotion and commitment to being a pillar of strength and representation for our underserved neighbors and for always leading by example.
As Executive Director of the Restorative Justice Partnership, Dwanna Nicole collaborates with educators, students, families and community members to foster restorative spaces in schools and beyond. Central to her work is the belief that everyone deserves equitable learning environments, healthy relationships and opportunities for healing and conflict transformation. She empowers young people to take agency in their schools, homes and communities. Also, through her efforts with Howard County Public School System educators, Ms. Nicole helps build a shared moral foundation that upholds the dignity of all.
Founded in 1971, the Columbia (MD) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (CAC-DST) was the first African American sorority or fraternity to establish a chapter in Howard County. A non-profit organization focused on providing assistance and support through community programs worldwide. CAC-DST advocates for underrepresented communities by volunteering and meeting with legislators on issues like voting rights, maternal health, equal pay and more. In recognition of its work, CAC-DST was recently honored with the 2023 Governor’s Black History Month Leadership and Service award.
Ishaan Busireddy is tackling food insecurity in Howard County by promoting sustainable agriculture and community engagement. His first project involved renovating his middle school’s greenhouse with donations he earned from tutoring. Throughout the past three and a half years, he has helped build 12 gardens in local schools, providing lesson materials to teach students how to grow vegetables and encourage their families to start home gardens. By inspiring his fellow neighbors to create their own gardens, Ishaan has created a ripple effect of positive change in his community.
We are fortunate to reside in a County where the people who work, live, visit and play, bring with them the spirit of humanity. Our 2024 Human Rights Commission awardees help to make Howard County one of the greatest places to be because they choose to consistently uplift others. We are happy to honor them.
Presented annually, the Human Rights Commission Awards honor individuals and community organizations for contributions to human and civil rights in Howard County. The purpose of these awards is to recognize exemplary citizenship, dedicated leadership and outstanding achievement in eliminating or eradicating discrimination, while advancing human rights for all residents. The awards are named after several pioneers of human rights who lived, worked, and/or served in Howard County, to honor and preserve their contributions and legacy. Award recipients are selected by the Commission based on nominations submitted by the community.
“Congratulations to the recipients of the 2024 Human Rights Awards! Your commitment to advancing equity and social justice within your spheres of influence has contributed mightily to our incredible mission of protecting and promoting human rights throughout our county,” said Yolanda F. Sonnier, Administrator, Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE). “As we take this opportunity to celebrate and appreciate you for the impact and sacrifices you’ve made, the OHRE wishes to simply say thank you!”
This year’s winners will be recognized during an awards ceremony tomorrow, October 8th at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center in Columbia. The evening will begin with a light reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by an awards ceremony at 7:00 p.m. Members of the public interested in attending this free event, can reserve their ticket online here.
For more information about this year’s award ceremony and/or winners, contact OHRE at 410-313-6430 or email hrc@howardcountymd.gov. To learn more about the Human Rights Commission, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/OHRE-hrc.