North Carolina A&T State University is accepting nominations for the 2013 Human Rights Medal until Nov. 19.

“This medal is an affirmation of our legacy on fighting social injustice,” said Dr. Ben Uwakweh, selection committee chairman.

The Human Rights Medal was established to recognize people who have worked to correct social injustices and who have contributed to the betterment of the world. The award is given in honor of the extraordinary action against social injustice by four N.C. A&T freshmen – Ezell Blair Jr. (Jibreel Khazan), Franklin Eugene McCain, Joseph Alfred McNeil and David Richmond Jr. – on February 1, 1960.

Candidates are selected from nominations submitted to the University Awards Committee. The medal is presented to an individual who has had a positive impact on correcting social injustices and other humanitarian activities that include human welfare and social reform, acts of heroism, promotion of fellowship, dedication to technological discovery, academic advancements or contributions, diplomatic endeavors and community contributions.

Anyone can nominate a potential honoree. The winner will be notified in December and will be invited to accept the award at the Sit-In Anniversary Breakfast on February 1, 2013. Honoree(s) must be able to accept the award in person and agree to give a lecture at a mutually agreed upon campus event.  For additional information, contact Terri Williams at (336) 334-7567.

Past honorees include: Rev. Nelson and Mrs. Joyce Johnson, Rev. Dr. Howard Chubbs and Lewis A. Brandon III.