The Paul Lee Stevens Humanitarian of the Year Award was given to Colavito Tyson, a prominent nonprofit executive and active member of the community.
The 52nd Human Relations Awards Ceremony took place on Thursday, February 23, at the Darden Alumni Center, and four awards were given out.
The Wilson Human Relations Commission's highest accolade, the Humanitarian of the Year Award, is given to someone who has selflessly contributed above and beyond what is required. It bears Paul Lee Stevens' name, a well-known humanitarian in the Wilson neighborhood for close to 25 years.
According to Commission Chair Brittany Hamm Daniel, who cited one nominator's letter, Ms. Tyson received five nomination letters demonstrating strong community support for the honor: “Colavito Tyson is nothing short of an angel on Earth. She has shown countless acts of service. She empowers, inspires and uplifts everyone.”
Pretty and Precious Girls, a nonprofit that encourages and uplifts young girls by mentoring them and offering them activities to boost their self-esteem, was founded by Ms. Tyson. For families, the group has gathered and donated clothing, school supplies, jackets, shoes, socks, toys, and toiletries.
She also works as a volunteer for the Summer Feeding Program, the Make a Difference food pantry, and the Community Soup Kitchen. She tutors, reads to, and helps pupils as a volunteer inside the educational system as a retired teacher.
She started a "Reading Daily with Mrs. C" program at the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park during the epidemic.
During the event on February 23, three additional awards were given out.
Josephine Santiago-Juarez, a senior at Hunt High School who has volunteered 130 hours, and who is a part of the National Honor Society, Questbridge Scholars, Young Crafters Club, Science Club, Academic Champion, YMCA Young Leaders Institute, and the Wilson Youth Council, was given the Community Service Award, Youth.
Other candidates included Hunt High School senior Miriam Medina-Sanchez and Sallie B. Howard School of Arts & Science student Barbara Lopez.
Johnathan Brunson, a volunteer with the Wesley Shelter Family Life Center who has worked to support male victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault, received the Community Service Award, Adult.
Other candidates included Andy and Tangy Winstead, Carolyn Williams, DuWanda Epps, Oneida Jenkins, Steve Wagoner, and Steve Witchey.
