2026 Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame Ceremony

Join us for the Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame Ceremony to acknowledge outstanding Ohioans who are pioneers in human and civil rights.
About this Event

Please join us for the seventeenth Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony honoring ten exeptional inductees! The celebration and reception will be held at the Lincoln Theatre October 29, 2026 beginning 10:00AM and there is no cost to attend. Come and show your support for these inspiring individuals as they are inducted into the Hall of Fame. The ceremony is filled with powerful stories, moving speeches, and unforgettable moments. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be a part of history!

The Civil Rights Hall of Fame seeks to honor outstanding Ohioans who are recognized as pioneers in human and civil rights and who have advanced the goals of equality and inclusion. Inductees of the Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame are individuals who have made significant contributions in support of civil rights, cultural awareness and understanding in the furtherance of a more just society. The honor bestowed on this select group of civil rights heroes will be officially recorded in Ohio's history. This year's inductees are:

Rev. Dr. Phale D. Hale Sr.
Rev. Clayton Washington Waller, Sr.
Catherine Talmadge Willis
Alan Freed
Bettye J. Stull
Cora Mae Jones Thurman
Charlotte Remenyik
Lisa Wong
Ellen Walker Craig-Jones

The Ohio Civil Rights Commission, along with long-time supporting sponsors Wright State University, Honda, PNC and United Way, will host the seventeenth annual Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame induction ceremony October 29, 2026. The program will consist of a special ceremony honoring men and women who have made significant contributions to the progress of civil rights and equal justice in the State of Ohio. Senator Catherine Ingram will provide the keynote address and Stacia Naquin, News Anchor for WBNS Columbus, will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies for this year’s event.

The event is free and all members of the public are invited to attend the induction ceremony and the reception that will be held immediately following the ceremony.

If you require an accessibility accommodation, please let us know in advance, if possible, by e-mailing us at [email protected]. We will be happy to accommodate your needs to the best of our ability.