James B. Hunter Award

James B. Hunter Human Rights Awards are given in recognition of outstanding achievement in the area of human rights and diversity made in Arlington County by an individual, a community group, a non-profit organization, or a business establishment. Applications should reflect the human rights achievements on an individual basis, through work with others, or through a specific example(s), product(s), or activity that must have some visible, tangible or measurable impact on the perception of, attitude toward, respect for, and treatment of other people. The award is named for former Arlington County Board member James B. Hunter, who dedicated many years to helping under-served groups access government services designed to protect their rights.The awards are selected by the Arlington County Human Rights Commission. The James B. Hunter Award goes to individuals, community groups, non-profit organizations and business establishments that promote cultural diversity and equal rights for all residents. 

The Human Rights Commission is not currently accepting nominations for the James B. Hunter Awards.

Watch the 22nd Annual James B. Hunter Awards

 

Program Criteria

1. Individual Achievement Award

To be presented to an individual who has:

  • demonstrated dedication and commitment to promoting civil and advocating and protecting civil and human rights;
  • led the development of contemporary measures to fight discrimination and prejudice and the effects of past discrimination; and/or
  • fostered positive intergroup relations among persons of different races, ages, ethnic origin, gender, religious backgrounds, or physical and mental abilities.

2. Business and Industry Awards

To be presented to a business or industry that has:

  • developed and implemented an effective equal opportunity/ affirmative action program as demonstrated by a diversified workforce in which all persons are afforded opportunities for employment and upward mobility, regardless of race, ethnic origin, gender, religion, color, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other prohibited basis of discrimination; and
  • demonstrated their corporate responsibility by devoting resources for the improvement of the community at large.

3. Community Groups UPS and Non-Profit Organizations

To be presented to a community group or non-profit organization that has:

  • demonstrated sustained commitment to the raising of the level of awareness and concern for violation of human rights;
  • advocating the development and improvement of legal mechanisms to protect basic civil and human rights;
  • educated and informed persons of their civil and human rights; and/or
  • led affirmative action efforts to bring full equality of opportunity.

4. Educational Organizations 

To be presented to educational organizations that promote civil and human rights, including:

  • Students
  • Teachers
  • School groups and other educational organizations

James B. Hunter Award Nomination Form

Past Winners

2021

  • Advent Lutheran Church-
  • Arlington Thrive
  • NAACP of Arlington #7047
  • Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR)
  • Les Garrison
  • Wilma Jones Killgo

2020-no awards held

2019

  • Walter Tejada
  • Joan Trumpauer Mulholland
  • Arlington League of Women voters
  • Ethiopian Community Development Council
  • Black Parents Association
  • Sean Bender-Prouty

2018

  • Awesome Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)
  • Marty Swaim
  • Arm & Arm
  • Jay Fisette

2017

  • Cafe Sazon
  • Freddie’s Beach Bar
  • Eric Schaeffer
  • Building Bridges
  • Saint George’s Episcopal Church

2016

  • Joan Ritter, M.D.,
  • Tiffany Joslyn (posthumously),
  • Busboys and Poets-Shirlington,
  • Edu-Futuro,
  • Bridges to Independence,
  • Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington.

2015

  • Leni Gonzalez
  • Nauk Civic Association
  • Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church
  • Hogar Immigrant Services

2014

  • Barbara Amaya
  • Stephen Fowler
  • The Animal Welfare League
  • Doorways for Women and Families
  • The Reading Connection

2013

  • Leslie Alden
  • Richard Cobb
  • Thomas Kelley
  • Margaret Patterson

2012

  • Wakefield High School’s Project Upstanders
  • Washington-Liberty High School’s Best Buddies Club
  • Sara Heisey
  • John “Kip” Laramie

2011

  • Buckingham Youth Brigade
  • James Scruggs
  • Pauline A. Ellison
  • Bob Witeck

2010

  • Barrett Elementary School: Project Interaction
  • Dr. Thomas “Tom” Connally
  • Julia “Judy” Connally
  • Arlington Coalition Against Secure Communities Program

2009

  • Elizabeth Wildhack, Esq.
  • Rev. Madeline Jervis
  • Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
  • Arlington Food Assistance Center

2008

  • Dr. Robert G. Smith, Superintendent, Arlington Public Schools
  • Moore’s Barber & Beauty Shop
  • Legal Services of Northern Virginia

2007

  • Bonnie M. Ryan
  • Cheryl Ann Spector (posthumously)
  • Arlington Free Clinic

2006

  • Rhonda Buckner
  • Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network
  • Susan Prokop
  • Washington Shakespeare Company

2005

  • John Robinson
  • Verizon Communications, Inc.
  • Clarendon Presbyterian Church
  • Doorways for Women and Families

2004

  • Andres Tobar
  • Potomac Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind
  • Café Asia
  • Leadership Arlington

2003

  • Betsy S. Greer
  • Charles P. Monroe (posthumously)
  • Willians Silva
  • ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia, Inc.

2002:

  • Dr. Margaret Wilson
  • Mr. Charles Rinker
  • SOC Enterprises
  • MTFA Architecture, Inc.

2001

  • Thuy Nguyen
  • Albert C. Eisenberg
  • Nevares Associates
  • Marasco Newton Group

2000

  • Voncille Trotter Hines
  • Dr. Emma Violand – Sanchez
  • Whitman – Walker Clinic

1999

  • Lawrence J. Latto
  • The Arlington Gay & Lesbian Alliance
  • Arlington Hospital
  • Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.