COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Columbus Human Rights Commission has announced Howard “Bud” Herron and Rev. Dr. Felipe Martínez as the recipients of this year’s William R. Laws Human Rights Award. Mr. Herron and Rev. Martínez will be honored at the Commission’s Annual Dinner Meeting on June 27, at 6:30 p.m., at The Commons.
At the May 9 Commission’s Executive Committee meeting, the Executive Committee unanimously approved Mr. Herron and Rev. Dr. Martínez as the 2024 award winners.
The Laws Award Nominating Committee, comprised of Commissioners Mike Champlin, Richard Gold, and Matt Souza, reviewed the nominations. Several community members collaborated to nominate Mr. Herron and Rev. Dr. Martínez for their dedication and commitment to advocating for underrepresented members of the community and challenging attitudes and systems that create barriers to equality/equity.
Mr. Herron made a career in journalism, where he used his platform to improve relationships and bring awareness to issues faced by those who are underrepresented and disenfranchised. After retirement from The Republic in 2007, he became a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer for Advocates for Children.
Rev. Dr. Martínez, a México native, joined the Columbus community as the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in 2016. He is instrumental in leading and convening conversations centered on racial injustice, inclusive worship, and housing disparities.
Admission to the dinner is by advance ticket purchase for $30 per person. They can be purchased at the Human Rights Commission office at Columbus City Hall or online at columbus.in.gov/human-rights/. The deadline to buy is Monday, June 24, at 5 p.m.
Herron-Courtesy-Human Rights Comm./The Republic
Dr. Martinez-Courtesy-FPCColumbus.org
