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Presentation of 2013 Rev. James C. Wright Human Rights Award by the City of Madison Equal Opportunities Commission and Equal Opporunities Division to Charlestine "Charlie" Daniel.
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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 the Rev. Wright's dedication and compassion for civil and human rights and conducts their daily life consistent with these values. This year marks the Eighteenth presentation of the award. The Equal Opportunities Commission's Selection Committee selected Charlestine Daniel as the 2013 award recipient. The award will be presented by Mayor Paul Soglin at June 18, 2013 Common Council meeting.
Charlestine "Charlie" Daniel is long-time resident of the Madison area and exemplifies her commitment to human and civil rights through her work as an educator, advocate, policy maker and consultant. Charlie is described as a fierce advocate for justice and is a well respected community leader. She works tirelessly to improve the quality of life for underrepresented and disenfranchised communities. She is an advocated and promoter of diversity, equity, social justice and inclusion for women's rights, GLBTQ and for all communities of color. As an educator she was the Education Director for Minority Students Participation and Displaced Homemakers at the Wisconsin Technical College System. She also has worked with women in Domestic Violence, Alcohol and other Drugs as well as Mental Health.
She has served on boards that reflect her commitment to social justice, including the African American Ethnic Academy, Community Shares, Wisconsin Women Work, Madison Metro LINKS, Inc, Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network, City of Madison Human Resource and Affirmative Action Committees to name a few. Charlie has come full circle in her post retirement as she now works part-time as the Diversity Coordinator for the Alliance and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Research Center where she educates and outreaches to the African American community in Dane and Rock Counties regarding as she states, "the silent epidemic" of Alzheimer's and Dementia. She wants to bring this disease "out of closet" in the African American Community. One of Charlie's nominator said, "Charlie showed me time and time again that she is constantly thinking of those whom institutions find it easiest to overlook, without repercussions. She show up for those individuals, and she speaks up. Charlie showed me a lot of courage. She doesn't play favorites and isn't slowed down by taboos. She is a voice and equal shot for everyone."