The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights will present the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II with its highest honor during its 43rd annual Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Award Dinner on May 15.
“The Leadership Conference is working to build an America as good as its ideals, and Rev. Barber is the constant clarion voice challenging all of us to live up to our core values and principles,” said Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference.
A pastor and social justice advocate, Rev. Barber is a consequential and moral voice advocating on many issues that are core to the civil rights movement, including voting rights, redistricting, fair labor, and women’s rights.
“He helped revive the Poor People’s Campaign that was originally spearheaded by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and many others – reminding us that while we have made much progress, much work remains,” Gupta said. “ His work is integral to the future of our movement.”
The Leadership Conference annually presents the Humphrey Award, the civil and human rights community’s highest honor, to outstanding individuals who exemplify Senator Humphrey’s “selfless and devoted service in the cause of equality.” Previous recipients include civil rights giant Congressman John Lewis; Speaker Nancy Pelosi, disability rights advocate Senator Bob Dole; civil rights champions Wade Henderson, Karen L Narasaki, Julian Bond, Wilma Mankiller, and Dr. Dorothy Height; and labor leader Dolores Huerta, among others.
The dinner marks the largest annual gathering of the civil and human rights community, bringing together noted advocates, including leaders in the executive branch, Congress, business, education, and civil and human rights organization.
