The National Center for Civil and Human Rights Announces 2019 Power to Inspire Honorees

Fifth annual event celebrates leaders’ significant contributions to advance justice and promote civil and human rights

Atlanta, Ga. (April 30, 2019) – The National Center for Civil and Human Rights (The Center) will present its highest award at its Power to Inspire Tribute Dinner on May 16, 2019, at 6 p.m. at the Georgia Aquarium. For the fifth year, The Center will honor individuals and organizations for their notable civil and human rights impact nationally and locally.

2019 Awardees are:

  • The Honorable Andrew Young – Atlanta civil rights icon, politician, and diplomat
  • Alina Diaz – migrant women farmworker rights advocate
  • Elana Meyers Taylor – President of the Women in Sports Foundation and Olympic Gold medalist
  • Christian Fischer – President and CEO of Georgia-Pacific

“Each year, we recognize individuals who make a significant commitment to promoting, protecting and fighting for rights,” said Jill Savitt, The Center’s CEO. “This year, on our fifth anniversary, we honor four leaders doing the hard work of making our world more humane, fair and just.”

Previous recipients of the Power to Inspire award include, former Vice President Joe Biden, Dr. Bernice A. King, filmmaker and literary scholar Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., the Anti-Defamation League, the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, environmentalist Ted Turner, interfaith activist Sherry Frank and Argentine human rights activist Estela Barnes de Carlotta.

The Honorable Andrew Young has devoted his life to promote and protect civil and human rights for all.

Young was an early leader in the civil rights movement. As an American diplomat and policymaker at all levels of service, Young has committed his life to create and enforce policies that advance human dignity.

His service as Mayor of Atlanta and U.S. Congressman ultimately led to his appointment by President Jimmy Carter as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Today, he is recognized for his ability to positively impact international issues relating to genocide, 2 poverty, and democracy. Young was also integral in conceiving and aiding former Atlanta Mayor, Shirley Franklin, to establish The Center.

Alina Diaz has been a tireless advocate on behalf of immigrant women who face exploitation and sexual violence but fear to report this abuse because of their legal status.

Diaz served as a founding board member of Alianza Nacional de Campesinas which works to promote the rights of women farmworkers in the United States. Based in Genessee, NY, Diaz supports and educates farmworkers throughout the Finger Lakes area about their fundamental human rights – to be free from workplace exploitation, harassment, and sexual violence – and connect them with social services. She also advocates for policies to protect immigrant women.

Three-time Olympic medalist Elana Meyers Taylor will be honored for her leadership as both a groundbreaking athlete and a champion of equality for women in sports.

A Douglasville, Georgia native, Meyers Taylor is the president of the Women’s Sports Foundation. She was the first woman to lead a four-person crew to third place in the U.S. Olympic trials, securing a place to compete for the U.S. national team.

Georgia-Pacific in recognition of its work to address human trafficking, devoting significant financial and employee volunteer support, provides a shining example of corporate social responsibility.

Christian Fischer, President, and CEO of Georgia-Pacific will accept this honor on behalf of the company. Fischer helped lead a company-wide education program and channeled Georgia-Pacific resources to promote an Atlanta-wide awareness campaign coinciding with The Super Bowl and through 2019.

About the National Center for Civil and Human Rights

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights in downtown Atlanta is an engaging cultural attraction that connects the American Civil Rights Movement to today’s Global Human Rights Struggle. The Center features a continuously rotating exhibit from The Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection, which includes many of Dr. King’s documents and personal items. Visitors are immersed in experiential exhibits through powerful and authentic stories, historical documents, compelling artifacts, and interactive activities. The Center is a source for ongoing dialogue — hosting educational forums and attracting world-renowned speakers and artists who work on a variety of human rights topics. For more information, visit www.civilandhumanrights.org. Join the conversation on civil and human rights on Twitter @Ctr4CHR and Facebook.

Sponsorship packages for the Power to Inspire dinner are available. For sponsorship inquiries or general questions please contact Candice Franklin at [email protected]