The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) is set to honor local champions of social justice at the annual Social Justice Awards ceremony. The event, scheduled for December 5, will be hosted in the Mayor's Reception Hall at City Hall, as reported by the City of Philadelphia. Fox 29’s Shaynah Ferreira will host the event, featuring attendees treated to a performance from The Chocolate Ballerina Company.
According to a press release from the City of Philadelphia, the PCHR has recognized a diverse group of individuals and organizations for their efforts in advancing human and civil rights. This year's event adds the David T. Rammler Award for Fair Housing to its roster, created in memory of the late Fair Housing Commission chairman who worked tirelessly for equitable housing. Muhammad Abdul-Hadi, renowned for his Down North Pizza initiative, and Madelyn Morrison, a black trans woman leading at the Attic Youth Center, are among the notable honorees.
In a statement made by the City of Philadelphia, PCHR Executive Director Renee Chenault-Fattah praised the honorees for their dedication and direct action. "They know that we uplift ourselves and we uplift our values when we uplift others," said Chenault-Fattah. Muhammad Abdul-Hadi caught attention with his approach to reduce recidivism rates by employing formerly incarcerated individuals. Concurrently, Morrison has enhanced youth development and leadership as Director of Programs at the Attic Youth Center.
Naiymah Sanchez, senior ACLU Pennsylvania organizer, is also being honored for her advocacy that spans nearly two decades. "She/her/goddess" are the pronouns she uses when speaking on racial justice or immigrant rights. She captivates her audience. Conrad Benner of StreetsDept.com, along with Matthew Jordan-Miller, Kenyatta, and Marángeli Mejia Rabell, also received accolades in the Arts & Culture category for their respective impacts on the city's cultural landscape.
Law enforcement and public service will be represented by Dawn Thomas of the Philadelphia Police Department, Pastor Damone B. Jones, Sr., and Sgt. Blessen Mathew, and Sgt. Jo Mason, each recognized for their extraordinary community involvement and diverse contributions. Kendra Brooks, the first Working Families member elected to Philadelphia City Council, is set to receive the Clarence Farmer Award, while Cheri Honkala's tireless efforts in the arena of economic justice and welfare rights will be acknowledged with the newly established David T. Rammler Award, as per the City of Philadelphia.
