Seven Individuals Honored at Annual Event

JACKSON, Miss – The American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi will recognize seven individuals for their involvement and commitment to justice and equality during the 2017 Blues on the Rez on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at The Lake House (135 Madison Landing Circle, Ridgeland, MS 39157). The event will take sail at 5 p.m.

The honorees include:

  • Khadafy & Quinnetta Manning, Criminal Justice Reform Award
  • Jensen Matar, Freedom of Speech & Expression Award
  • William Murphy & Betty Petty, Extending Equality to All Mississippians Award
  • Dana Schallheim, Volunteer of the Year Award
  • Dylan Singleton, Defender of Freedom Award

Mr. and Mrs. Manning showed us courage to stand against discrimination and racially biased policing in Madison County. Mr. Matar has served as a true defender of freedom of speech and expression by educating Mississippians about the transgender community and the need for policy protections. Mr. Murphy and Ms. Petty are working to disrupt the school to prison pipeline. They have helped to change the entire Sunflower County community’s perception of young men and boys of color. Ms. Schallheim has been a consistent supporter of the ACLU of Mississippi ever since she landed in the Magnolia State. Mr. Singleton, a former employee, started as an intern before becoming Director of Operations, leading the team toward justice and freedom for all.

“These individuals have shown their commitment to standing in the gap for all Mississippians to make societal impacts for a better state,” said Jennifer Riley Collins, executive director. “Their contributions are monumental, and it is our pleasure to acknowledge them for all of their efforts in fighting for our shared values.”

 

The Blues on the Rez is the ACLU of Mississippi’s premiere event, where we highlight our successes and build momentum to continue to advance our efforts to extend the civil liberties that every Mississippian deserves. Our entertainment for the evening will be Mississippi’s Champion of the Blues Grady Champion, a Grammy Award winning songwriter, entertainer/musician who has been captivating audiences for more than two decades.

 

Tickets are available for purchase online at www.aclu-ms.org. For more information, please call 601-354-3408.

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