The Charleston Job Corps Center operated by Horizons Youth Services (HYS) for the U.S. Department of Labor was an award honoree for the Governor’s 13th Annual Civil Rights Day, Thursday, February 25, 2016, 10:00 a.m. at the Beni Kedem Shrine Temple, Charleston WV. Center Director, Willie Brown accepted the award on behalf of the center.

The event is sponsored by the State of WV Office of the Governor, Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs, Frank Walker Law Firm, Marion County NAACP Chapter 3245, WVU Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the WV Human Rights Commission. The program opened with the posting of colors, entrance of honorees and the pledge of allegiance. The welcome and occasion was given by Rev. Darrell Cummings, Chair, WV Human Rights Commission followed by greetings and presentation of proclamation from the office of Governor Earl Ray Tomblin. Amanda Barren, WSAZ News Channel 3 served as mistress of ceremony. Karen Bowling, Cabinet Secretary, Department of Health and Human Resources, Dr. Bob Harrison, Board President, WV Institute for Spirituality and Joan Browning, Former Freedom Rider, Civil Rights Activist participated by introducing honorees.

The program honored 19 recipients including Appalachian Power Company, Terri Ane’ Berkley, Barbara Cary, Charleston Job Corps, Rabbi John D. Cohn, Deloris R. French, Dr. E. Gorden Gee, Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs, Manfred G. Holland, Katherine Johnson, Lt. Shallon Olgesby, Margaret A. Pace, Rev. James Patterson, Cecelia Pugh, Rosie the Riveters (The West Virginia Rosies), Lewis R. Smoot, Sr., Dr. Walter Stroupe, Dr. Dianna Vargo and Rick Wilson for “dedicated service to the people of West Virginia and their constant struggle for civil rights for all.” Music was provided by Rodney Boyden, CEO-Boyden Design Construction and Rev. Shelley Bausley, Senior Pastor, Pilgrim Home Baptist Church. Executive Director, Marykaye Jacquet, WV Human Rights Commission thanked her staff, guests and supporters before making special presentations. The program closed with attendees signing the National Negro Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”