36th Annual Pauli Murray Awards Ceremony

Orange County is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Pauli Murray Awards and entries for the Human Relations Student Contest.

Submit a nomination or student entry by April 15, 2026.

• Pauli Murray Award Nomination
• Student Contest Submission

Join Orange County, North Carolina in celebrating the 36th Annual Pauli Murray Awards Ceremony, a longstanding community tradition honoring individuals and organizations whose work advances civil rights, belonging, and human dignity in Orange County.

The Pauli Murray Awards are named in honor of the Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray, a poet, lawyer, civil rights pioneer, and the first Black woman ordained as an Episcopal priest.

Each year, the Orange County Human Relations Commission and the Office of Civil Rights & Civic Life present awards in the following categories:

• Adult Award - An individual whose leadership advances fairness, justice, and equity in our community
• Youth Award - A young person committed to civic life, leadership, and social change
• Business/Organization Award - A business or organization that demonstrates a strong commitment to belonging and human dignity

Winners of the Human Relations Student Contest will also be recognized during the ceremony, highlighting student voices and creative expression.

Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
Location: Whitted Building, 300 Tryon
Cost: Free and open to the public

Registration is encouraged to help us prepare for attendance.

Print applications are available in-office in English, Spanish, Burmese, Karen, French, Chinese (Simplified), and Arabic.

For more information, please contact the Orange County Office of Civil Rights & Civic Life at [email protected] or (919) 245-2594.

To request language assistance, ASL interpretation, captioning, or other accommodations, please submit your request at least five business days prior to the event.

To learn more about the awards visit .

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Host or Publisher Orange County (NC) Office of Equity & Inclusion