Hubert H. Humphrey Civil Rights Awards Dinner
The 2008 Hubert H. Humphrey Civil Rights Award Dinner was held on May 14, 2008 in Washington, D.C.
About the Hubert H. Humphrey Civil Rights Award
Each year, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights presents the prestigious Hubert H. Humphrey Civil Rights Award, celebrating the legacy of the former vice president, senator and civil rights pioneer.
Devoted to public service in the cause of equality, Hubert Humphrey's years of public service, leadership and dedication to equal opportunity changed the face of America. He was a tireless advocate who led the fight for passage of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The Award is the civil rights community's highest honor, saluting individuals or organizations that best exemplify Vice President Humphrey's legacy of "selfless and devoted service in the cause of equality." The annual dinner, LCCR's principal fundraiser, is noted for bringing together people from all walks of life — members of both houses of Congress, officials from the Executive Branch, business leaders, educators, attorneys and young people representing the next generation of civil and human rights advocates.
"This year, as the Leadership Conference addresses issues of equality and inclusion in protecting civil and human rights, we are pleased to recognize three remarkable individuals who have been steadfast in their efforts to amplify the voices of those at the margins of our economy and our society," said Wade Henderson, president of LCCR.
Henderson noted that 2008 marks the 40th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, a cornerstone of civil rights legislation. "Representative Conyers’ advocacy for the Act and its amendments, Patricia Rouse's unflagging efforts to support fair housing, and Soledad O'Brien's pivotal role in telling the stories of Katrina's homeless make these honors all the more fitting. We have much further to go on the road to housing equality, and our honorees are among those who are leading the way. Our nation's minorities, the poor and the disenfranchised have no stronger advocates than this year's Humphrey Awardees."
