Prince William County Human Rights Commission Celebrates Universal Human Rights Day with “All Human, All Equal” Theme

The Prince William County Human Rights Commission held its annual Universal Human Rights Day celebration on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2025, honoring individuals and organizations whose work embodies the theme “All Human, All Equal.” The event, held in the Board of County Supervisors Chambers, recognized six award recipients for their impactful contributions to advancing human and civil rights in the community.  

Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson congratulated the award recipients on the work that earned them their awards. 

“Today, we honor six of Prince William County’s beacons of light who live by the universal teaching of love thy neighbor,” Jefferson said. “Your tireless contributions help expand human and civil rights and build on the legacies of great Virginians and Americans who came before us.”   

Jefferson highlighted the strength of diversity in Prince William County, which is the 10th most diverse in the nation.  

“Our diversity is our strength. Our country, our commonwealth and our county thrive because of it. Today’s award recipients know this, and we are all better for them shedding their light and their love on Prince William County and all of us,” Jefferson said.  

Prince William County Executive Chris Shorter told the crowd that he considered it a privilege and an honor to speak; and he praised the honorees for their service. 

“We all appreciate your service to this county. We appreciate what you are doing, and what you do every single day here in Prince William County. We need you to continue and that’s why we’re honoring you today. We know that you do not do this work to get celebrated. We know that you do this work because you love this community,” Shorter said.   

Keynote speaker and Civil Rights Attorney Victor M. Glasberg reflected on the Civil Rights Act of 1964, emphasizing its pivotal role in dismantling systemic discrimination while acknowledging the work still needed to advance equality. 

“The changes that we have seen are possible because of the act, because it gave a legal basis to challenge new generations,” Glasberg said. “The people who are being honored here for their wonderful work wouldn’t have to do it if it weren’t for the fact there is still something that has to be done. Our job is to move in the right direction.”  

2024 Human Rights Awardees and Accomplishments: 

• Tate Jordan, a Gainesville High School senior, was recognized for his advocacy for disabled students and his efforts to promote equality through community events and workshops encouraging participation in career and technical student organizations. 

• Veterans Growing America, founded by Donnell Johns, Sr., was honored for empowering veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs by providing a platform for business growth and collaboration. 

• The H.O.P.E. Project, founded by Sandra McLean, was celebrated for three decades of work providing food, clothing and support to individuals experiencing homelessness, empowering them to regain stability. 

• Virginia Women and Family Support Center, represented by Karen Portman, Pat and Dan Biggio, and Priscilla Glover, was recognized for offering long-term housing and services to help women break the cycle of homelessness. 

• Edu-Futuro’s Prince William Case Management Team, including Jessika Bermúdez, Olga Molleja and Astrid Méndez, was acknowledged for breaking the cycle of poverty through education and providing critical assistance to more than 1,000 students and parents in 2024. 

Prince William Human Rights Commission Executive Director Raul Torres emphasized the power of small, meaningful actions in creating transformative change. 

“The Civil Rights Movement was fueled by many individuals who took courageous, small steps –protests, sit-ins, refusing to move from a seat on the bus or a seat at a diner counter and others,” Tores said. “Each bold act contributed to a collective force that challenged an unfair system and demanded change.”  

Torres went on to say that he was proud of the award recipients who took the small steps with empathy, kindness and compassion.  

“We can see from what they have done, that small acts can transform a community and produce a positive change,” Torres said.   

The ceremony opened with the Prince William County Joint Public Safety Color Guard and concluded with the administration of the Human Rights Commission Oath. Attendees pledged to uphold the principles of freedom, justice and equality, and to work toward fostering a harmonious and inclusive community. 

Prince William County Human Rights Commission Chair Curtis Porter said people enjoy gathering for Universal Human Rights Day because they recognize the importance of commemorating the day and the people who make a difference in the community. 

"The celebration is an opportunity to honor and recognize the people and organizations who are making a significant contribution to human and civil rights in Prince William County," Porter said after the ceremony. 

For more information about the Prince William County Human Rights Commission, visit pwcva.gov/humanrights.