From the City of Jackson, Mich. — An annual awards event that honors Jackson residents and organizations making a difference with volunteering, diversity and inclusion is now accepting nominations. The City of Jackson Human Relations Commission (HRC) is hosting its Harold White Sr. Awards Breakfast on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 7:00 a.m. at the MLK Recreation Center.

Award nominations for individuals and organizations making an impact in the Jackson community may be submitted through Tuesday, Aug. 15, using a form from the HRC section of the City website, cityofjackson.org. Submissions must be based on the following criteria:

Diversity Award: Awarded to an individual/organization that has done something to create a positive effect within a range of human differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability or attributes, religious or ethical values system, national origin, and political beliefs.

Inclusion Award: Awarded to an individual/organization who has created opportunities and/or implemented change in regard to involvement and empowerment, where the inherent worth and dignity of all people are recognized. The awardee may also have fostered a sense of belonging where the organizations values and practices show respect for the talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and way of living of its members.

Volunteer Award: Awarded to an individual or organizational team who volunteers their time and/ or talents for charitable, educational, or other worthwhile activities without pay, in social agencies, charitable organizations, etc. The volunteer’s duties must have excelled beyond that of the average volunteering individual.

HRC commissioners will review the nominations and decide the award categories. The awards will be presented at the Harold White Sr. Awards Breakfast in Sept. Tickets for the event will be available at a future date. This year’s event will feature a re-introduction of the Human Relations Commission to the Jackson community with a history of commission and tribute to the Harold White family. Names will also be placed on the Harold White Memorial Marker in Downtown Jackson’s Horace Blackman Park later this year.