Prince William County Celebrates Universal Human Rights Day and Honors 25 Years of Human Rights Awards

The Prince William County Human Rights Commission recently held its annual Human Rights Day Award Ceremony, marking Universal Human Rights Day and celebrating 25 years of honoring individuals and organizations whose actions advance the principles of equity, dignity and justice. 

This year’s program reflected the theme ”From Reconstruction to the Future: 250 Years of Civil Rights Progress,” highlighting both the historical foundations of civil rights in the United States and the continued responsibility to protect and promote human rights at the local level.  

During the ceremony, four individuals and two organizations were recognized for their leadership, service and advocacy in support of human rights throughout Prince William County. 

Curtis Porter, Chairman of the Prince William County Human Rights Commission, recognized the importance of recognizing individuals and organizations whose work has advanced human and civil rights in the community, noting the commission’s long-standing commitment to honoring diverse contributions. 

“The Prince William County Human Rights Commission has made it a point to recognize individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds who have made significant contributions in some form of human rights and civil rights in Prince William County. Over the last 25 years, we have recognized some outstanding individuals and outstanding organizations. This year is no different, recognizing individuals and groups who have contributed to our community.” 

Dr. James “Jay” Gillispie delivered the keynote address, offering historical context on the evolution of human rights in the United States. He reflected on the long struggle to secure voting rights for women and African Americans and emphasized the significance of the 14th Amendment, which granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to all people born or naturalized in the United States. 

“They used the extraordinary circumstances to pass the 14th Amendment, making all people born here citizens, and therefore, entitled to equal protection under the law,” Gillispie said, referring to the expansion of basic civil and political rights regardless of race, class, gender or other distinctions. “This was a major statement by the U.S.” 

Gillispie added that the continued expansion of civil and political rights moves the nation closer to fulfilling the promises articulated in the Declaration of Independence. 

County Executive Chris Shorter also addressed attendees, reflecting on the importance of the annual observance and the impact of the award recipients.  

“I am just very thankful to be here to be able to share in this moment,” Shorter said. He noted that the annual ceremony provides an opportunity to reflect on the county’s progress and to recognize community members who have advanced equity and justice. 

“To our 2026 Human Rights Award recipients, I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to you,” Shorter said. “Each of you has made a powerful impact on the lives of others. You have certainly built and helped us build a stronger, more resilient and more inclusive Prince William County.” 

Human Rights Commission Director Raul Torres closed the program by reinforcing the fundamental principle at the heart of the celebration. 

“Human rights, are inherent rights that each individual has, not because they're given by government, but because they're born human and that grants them those rights,” Torres said.

2026 Human Rights awardees and accomplishments: 

• Michael Artson was recognized for leading a year-long enrichment program that promotes academic excellence and high achievement among high school students, with a focus on investing in youth and entrepreneurship as a pathway to opportunity. 
• Woodbridge Workers Committee was honored for its advocacy on behalf of immigrants and low-income residents. Founded in 2005, the committee partners with the Capital Area Food Bank and Prince William Food Rescue to expand access to food and essential resources. 
• Riley Devereaux was recognized for her leadership with Disabled Disrupters, where she helped advocate for legislation requiring individualized emergency plans for students with disabilities. She has earned the Outstanding Youth Service Award four consecutive years and contributes more than 400 service hours annually. 
• Chaplain Raymond Perez, Good News Global chaplain assigned to the Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center, was honored for nearly two decades of service mentoring incarcerated individuals and promoting entrepreneurship as a tool for long-term stability. 
• Marty Nohe, former Coles District Supervisor on the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, was recognized for advancing human rights and civic unity from 2003 to 2019. His work included supporting community organizations and organizing a countywide Juneteenth celebration during the Civil War Sesquicentennial. 
• Project Mend-A-House was honored for providing critical home repair and accessibility services to seniors, veterans, people with disabilities and residents facing economic and medical challenges, promoting housing stability and dignity.

The ceremony concluded with attendees collectively reading the Prince William County Human Rights Commission Oath, pledging to uphold the dignity, equality and inalienable rights of all members of society, and to promote social progress, freedom, justice and peace throughout Prince William County.