Madison Reporter

The Annual Reverend James C. Wright Human Rights Award will be presented this year to Reverend Dr. Marcus Allen, Sr. The award ceremony is scheduled for the Common Council meeting on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 6:30 pm.

Reverend Allen has made significant contributions to the community, particularly through his work with youth. He established the Teaching and Reaching our Youth (T.R.Y.) Academy summer program for youth aged 12-17 who have been involved in the Juvenile Justice System. This program offers classes on leadership, finance, apprenticeship certification, meditation, self-regulation, and more. It also provides community engagement opportunities such as volunteer activities and visits to local businesses and libraries.

In addition to his work with youth programs, Reverend Allen has organized marches for justice and promoted open dialogues within the faith community. He has formed partnerships with Dane County and other organizations to mentor teens aging out of foster care. Under his guidance, Mt. Zion Baptist Church now hosts a Behavioral Health Clinic that serves the community.

Reverend Allen's extensive community involvement includes collaborations with various initiatives like the Collaboration Project and participation in town halls addressing community policing. His leadership roles extend to organizations such as the African American Council of Churches and the Black Leadership Council.

The Reverend James C. Wright Human Rights Award honors Reverend James C. Wright's legacy as a civil rights pioneer in Madison during the 1960s. He was instrumental in adopting Madison's Equal Opportunities Ordinance and served as Executive Director of the Equal Opportunities Commission from its inception in 1968 until his retirement in 1992.

The award recognizes individuals who exemplify Reverend Wright's dedication to civil and human rights through their daily lives.

Past recipients include Jacqueline Wright (1996), Dr. Richard H. Harris (1997), Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson (1998), Helen Vukelich (1999), Anthony "Nino" Amato (2000), John Noreika Sr., (2001), Dr. John Y Odom (2002), Peter Muñoz (2003), Earnestine Moss (2004), Jonathan "Jon" Gramling (2005), Agnes Gutierrez Cammer (2006), Jeffery Erlanger (2007), Professor Richard Davis (2008) Darlene Hancock(2009) Alfonso Studesville(2010) Richard V Brown Sr(2011) Colleen Butler(2012) Charlestine Daniel(2013) Dr Floyd Rose(2014) Anthony Timmons(2015) Annette Miller(2016) Brandi Grayson(2019) Tamora Fleming(2020 Carmella Harris(2021 Wayne Strong)(2022 Emanuel Scarbrough)(2023)

For more information visit www.cityofmadison.com/civil-rights/about/awards/reverend-james-c-wright-award