The Orange County Human Relations Commission, in partnership with the Office of Civil Rights & Civic Life, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Pauli Murray Awards. These annual awards celebrate individuals and organizations in our community who are making a meaningful difference through their commitment to fairness, justice, and human rights.

This year’s recipients embody the spirit of Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray—an activist, lawyer, poet, priest, and native of the Triangle region—whose legacy continues to inspire generations.

The 2025 Pauli Murray Award honorees are:

• Youth Award: Vianna Fornville, a student leader and scholar at Chapel Hill High School
• Adult Award: Vickie Feaster Fornville, longtime advocate, educator, and public servant
• Business Award: EMPOWERment Inc., a nonprofit advancing housing justice and community empowerment across Orange and Chatham Counties

“Pauli Murray’s life is a testament to the power of an individual operating with a community-centered mindset,” said Paul Slack, Chief Civil Rights Officer for Orange County. “Pauli's impact on civil rights life was extraordinary, and we offer these awards in her honor to recognize community members living in her light.”

The awards will be presented at the 2025 Pauli Murray Awards Ceremony on Sunday, May 18, and community members of all ages are invited to attend. The event will highlight the stories of our honorees, feature youth voices, and offer space to reflect on how we can continue building a more just and welcoming Orange County—together.

Keynote speaker, Chandra Guinn, Board Member of the Pauli Murray Center for Social Justice and Donovan Livingston, Chapel Hill Poet Laureate, will ground us in the contributions of these community members to uplifting justice and action throughout Orange County.

Jèmm Merritt, Co-Chair of the Human Relations Commission, emphasized the importance of the moment: “The Pauli Murray Awards remind us that justice is not a destination but a daily commitment to equity, inclusion, and love in action. This year’s honorees reflect the depth of courage and care in our community, especially our youth, whose voices are shaping a more just future.” Merritt added that the Commission is committed to continuing this presence in Orange County by uplifting leaders, fostering civic engagement, and honoring the legacy of Reverend Dr. Murray through action and advocacy.

Co-Chair Rhian Carraker-Ford echoed this commitment, saying, “Community is something that we all are a part of, but that we all have a responsibility to participate in. Community is an action, as well as a refuge. In that endeavor, voices are important.” Carraker-Ford affirmed the Commission’s dedication to raising up voices throughout Orange County in support of civic participation and inclusivity.

Student Creativity & Civic Engagement Recognized

The celebration will also highlight the winners of the 2025 Student Essay, Poem, and Visual Art Contest—local high school students who shared powerful reflections on justice, belonging, and community:

• Essay/Poem Category
  • 1st Place: Aniya Campbell, Chapel Hill High School – “United We Stand: How Equality, Mutuality, and Reciprocity Create True Community”
  • 2nd Place: Alys Traylor, Carrboro High School – “i am rising”
  • 3rd Place: Vianna Fornville, Chapel Hill High School – “See Me”
• Visual Art Category
  • 1st Place: Julian Shulman, Chapel Hill High School – artwork inspired by artist Sam Gilliam

You're Invited!!!

Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025
Time: 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Seymour Center, 2551 Homestead Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
RSVP: https://OCOEI_PauliMurrayAwards.eventbrite.com 

This event is free and open to the public. All are welcome—families, neighbors, students, elders, advocates, and anyone who believes in the power of community. Join us as we honor the people and stories helping to shape a more equitable Orange County.

For more information visit www.orangecountync.gov/PauliMurray 

Media Contact:
Paul Slack | Chief Civil Rights Officer

Orange County Office of Civil Rights & Civic Life
pslack@orangecountync.gov | 919-245-2317