North Carolina A&T State University Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. has added another accolade to his list of accomplishments.

On Nov. 8, Martin was added to the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) of the Piedmont Triad Inc.’s list of Brotherhood/Sisterhood Citation Award honorees for his work to make sure all his students receive an equal or superior education.

“I stand here tonight knowing how blessed I am to have had the education and employment opportunities I have had,” Martin said during his acceptance speech.

NCCJ is a human relations organization that promotes understanding and respect among all cultures, races and religions through advocacy, education and dialogue. The Brotherhood/Sisterhood Citation Award recognizes citizens of the Piedmont Triad region who have made significant contributions towards creating a community free of bias, bigotry, and racism.

Martin was honored along with Zaki Uddin Khalifa, the owner of Zaki Oriental Rugs in High Point.

Martin worked his way through a segregated school system to an undergraduate and master’s level degree and a doctorate degree to become an educator and administrator to help advance academic opportunities for students at N.C. A&T, sister institution Winston-Salem State University and across the University of North Carolina System.

In the university’s long range strategic plan, Preeminence 2020, Martin was diligent in making sure the goals included commitments to make the campus more diverse and inclusive while cultivating respect for people and their cultures.

In a video tribute during the dinner program, UNC System President Emeritus Erskine Bowles said that Martin’s commitments are no surprise to him.

“Harold Martin transcends race,” Bowles said. “I have never seen him treat anyone remotely different from anyone else.”

UNC System President Tom Ross agrees.

“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award,” he said.

“He’s not just focused on making A&T one of the best HBCUs in the country but making A&T one of the very best public universities in the country.”

A large delegation from A&T including administrators, past and present, alumni and students were on hand to support Martin in his honor.

“It’s important that we support the chancellor on any award that he receives because he always supports us (the students) in so many of our endeavors – we are just returning the favor,” Student Government Association President Allahquan Tate said.

“His winning this award shows that he has a vision for our university and that he is dedicated and committed to it.”

Click to view the tribute video