Charlie Daniel Receives Human Rights Award

Long-time GSAFE supporter Charlie Daniel received the 2013 Rev. James C. Wright Human Rights Award from the City of Madison last week.

From The Madison Times:

The Equal Opportunities Commission’s Committee has selected Charlestine “Charlie” Daniel  as the winner of the 2013 Reverend James C. Wright Human Rights Award. This award honors the late Rev. James C. Wright who served as executive director of the Equal Opportunities Commission from its inception in 1968 until his retirement in 1992. The award is given to an individual who best exemplifies the Rev. Wright’s dedication and compassion for civil and human rights and conducts their daily life consistent with these values.

 

This year marks the 18th presentation of the award which will be presented by Mayor Paul Soglin at June 18 Common Council meeting.
Daniel is long-time resident of the Madison area and exemplifies her commitment to human and civil rights through her work as an educator, advocate, policy maker, and consultant. Charlie is described as a fierce advocate for justice and is a well-respected community leader. She works tirelessly to improve the quality of life for underrepresented and disenfranchised communities. She is an advocate and promoter of diversity, equity, social justice, and inclusion for women’s rights, GLBTQ and for all communities of color.

 

As an educator she was the education director for Minority Students Participation and Displaced Homemakers at the Wisconsin Technical College System. She also has worked with women in Domestic Violence, Alcohol and other Drugs as well as Mental Health.
She has served on boards that reflect her commitment to social justice, including the African American Ethnic Academy, Community Shares, Wisconsin Women Work, Madison Metropolitan LINKS, Inc, Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network, City of Madison Human Resource and Affirmative Action Committees to name a few.
Daniel has come full circle in her post retirement as she now works part-time as the Diversity Coordinator for the Alliance and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin  Alzheimer’s Research Center where she educates and outreaches to the African American community in Dane and Rock Counties regarding as she states, “the silent epidemic” of Alzheimer’s and dementia. She wants to bring this disease “out of closet” in the African American community.

 

Charlie has played a critical role in GSAFE’s history, both as a former Board member and currently as a consultant to our racial justice work.  GSAFE’s Manager of GSA Outreach, Tim Michael, was one of the people who nominated Charlie.  GSAFE would like to congratulate Charlie on her recognition – it is much deserved for her long history and continued work of justice.