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Presentation of the 2026 Reverend James C. Wright Human Rights Award by the City of Madison Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and the Department of Civil Rights - Equal Opportunities Division (EOD) to Dr. Corinda Rainey-Moore.
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The 29th Annual Reverend James C. Wright Human Rights Award goes to Dr. Corinda Rainey-Moore who exemplifies the very spirit, compassion, and commitment to justice that the Reverend James C. Wright Human Rights Award was created to honor. This award will be presented to Dr. Rainey-Moore at the City Common Council meeting on August 4, 2026, at 6:30 pm.
The Reverend James C. Wright Human Rights Award honors the late Reverend James C. Wright, who served as Executive Director of the Equal Opportunities Commission from its inception in 1968 until his retirement in 1992. The award is given to an individual who best exemplifies Reverend Wright’s dedication and compassion for civil and human rights and conducts their daily life consistent with these values. The Equal Opportunities Commission has selected Dr. Corinda Rainey-Moore, as the recipient of the 2026 Human Rights award.
Throughout her career and personal life, Dr. Corinda Rainey-Moore has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to civil and human rights, equity, dignity, and service to underserved communities throughout Madison and Dane County. Her work reflects not only advocacy in words, but through consistent action, leadership, relationship-building, and transformational community impact.
For more than three decades, Dr. Rainey-Moore has devoted her life to improving the lives of individuals and families who have historically been marginalized and underserved. Her leadership has spanned healthcare, mental health, racial equity, education, community engagement, violence prevention, and public service. Whether serving in nonprofit leadership, healthcare systems, grassroots initiatives, or city commissions, she has continuously centered the humanity, dignity, and voices of the people most impacted by inequities.
Dr. Rainey-Moore has also been a powerful advocate for racial equity and civic inclusion. During the U.S. Census efforts, she worked to educate and mobilize historically undercounted communities, particularly African Americans, helping ensure residents understood the importance of representation and participation. She has consistently used her platform to address racism as a public health crisis and to advocate for systemic change across healthcare, education, and government institutions.
The Reverend James C. Wright Human Rights Award recognizes individuals who embody compassion, justice, dignity, and a lifelong commitment to human rights. Dr. Corinda Rainey-Moore exemplifies these values every day through her leadership, service, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others. Her work has strengthened communities, amplified marginalized voices, advanced equity, and inspired countless individuals throughout Madison and Dane County.
In conclusion, Dr. Corinda Rainey-Moore’s unwavering dedication, leadership, and impactful contributions to the community make her a deserving candidate for the Reverend James C. Wright Human Rights Award. With this award and for keeping in the tradition of what Reverend Wright stood for in our community, the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Department of Civil Rights - Equal Opportunities Division would like to honor Dr. Corinda Rainey-Moore and say thank you for service to our community.
Prior recipients of the award 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; Reverend Marcus Allen, Sr., 2024 and Edward (Ed) L. Murray, Jr., 2025.