2025 OHR and Commission on Human Rights Awards Ceremony

The DC Office of Human Rights (OHR) and the DC Commission on Human Rights warmly invite you to the 2025 Annual Human Rights Awards Ceremony on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 5:00 PM at the Sarah and Bernard Gewirz Student Center on the Georgetown University Law Center campus. This annual gathering brings together community members, advocates, and leaders to celebrate outstanding contributions to human rights across the District.

This year’s theme, “Continuing Advocacy for Women and Children in the District,” honors the legacy of the late Honorable Chief Administrative Law Judge Erika L. Pierson, whose distinguished career and unwavering commitment to justice continue to inspire. To commemorate her impact, OHR and the Commission have established a new award named in her honor. This recognition reflects her lifelong dedication to protecting vulnerable communities and advancing access to justice.

Awards presented will include:

• The Erika L. Pierson Award – a newly created award honoring the late Chief Judge Pierson, presented for the first time this year to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to protecting the rights of women and children.
• The Cornelius R. “Neil” Alexander Humanitarian Award – recognizing a lifetime of service advancing the 23 protected traits under the DC Human Rights Act of 1977.
• The Emerging Leader Award – highlighting rising leaders making meaningful contributions in the human rights field
• The Community Service Award – celebrating an organization demonstrating leadership in promoting protected traits or addressing emerging human rights issues.

Join us for an evening of recognition, inspiration, and community as we celebrate the dedicated individuals and organizations advancing human rights in the District.

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided. Attire: guests are invited to wear shades of purple or blue.

Please RSVP by December 1, 2025.

For accommodations, language interpretation services, American Sign Language (ASL) service, or general inquiries, contact [email protected]

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