The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights is still seeking nominations until Friday, March 18, for the Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame 2005. The call for nominations began in November.

The commission invites the people of Kentucky to place their nominations for individuals they would like to see honored for making important contributions to civil rights in the commonwealth.

An independent panel of judges from throughout the state will select the new inductees from the nominations placed by the public. Inductions will be held at a special celebration planned for July 2005.

This will be the fourth set of inductions since the commission established the Hall of Fame during the state government agency’s 40^th anniversary celebration in 2000.

Any adult (18 or over) Kentucky resident may nominate an individual for the Hall of Fame. Eligible nominees are people who have:

1.                     Provided exemplary leadership and achievement toward Kentucky’s progress in the areas of civil rights; Their efforts may pertain to civil rights regarding race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, age and familial status – all of which are protected classes covered in the Kentucky Civil Rights Act;

2.                     Advocated for civil rights through actions and deeds in Kentucky;

3.                     And, served as role models and beacons in the struggle to eliminate discrimination, prejudice and barriers of equality in Kentucky.

4.                     Also, nominated candidates may be either living or deceased; their contributions may cover a wide range of civil rights issues in present or past eras.

5.                     A past nominee who has not been inducted may be nominated again based on the above criteria.   

The Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame serves as a high honor for brave men and women who have been leaders in the struggle for equality and justice on many battlegrounds and have made Kentucky a better place to live. 

Nomination forms are free and available to the public by calling the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights at 502.595.4024 in Louisville or 1.800.292.5566 (Ask for Cynthia Fox). The form is also available at the commission’s website, http://kchr.ky.gov. The form can be completed and submitted online.

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