The city of Cambridge GLBT Commission seeks nominations for the annual Bayard Rustin Service Award, an honor bestowed to a person of color with an outstanding history of service to the GLBT Community. The award will be presented at the annual Cambridge Pride Celebration, a tradition that takes place at City Hall on the morning of the Boston Pride Parade –  June 8, 2013

The deadline for submitting nominations is April 22.

This award has been named in honor of Bayard Rustin, an American civil rights activist who helped usher in the Civil Rights Era of the 1950s and 1960s. As an early adopter of nonviolent protest methods, Mr. Rustin counseled Martin Luther King, Jr. at a time when the young minister was just gaining national prominence; Mr. Rustin would continue to work with Dr. King in the coming years, serving as the chief organizer of the famed March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. Mr. Rustin then worked tirelessly to advocate for GLBT causes in the latter part of his career, courageously standing in defiance of the viciously negative attitudes towards members of the GLBT community. Through his advocacy, he helped raise awareness and expand horizons, paving the way for a society that is more inclusive, accepting, and respectful of its wonderful diversity.

Criteria for Nomination

Nominees for the Bayard Rustin Service Award must be a past or present resident of Cambridge, or they must currently or previously have worked in Cambridge. Nominees may not be a member of the Cambridge GLBT Commission, or a family member of a commissioner. Nominees may be city employees, so long as they are being nominated for service beyond the scope of their employment. Posthumous nominations will also be accepted and considered.   To nominate someone for this award, complete the application and return it to the Nomination Award Committee. Contact information is on the last page of the nomination form, which is available here or can be filled out online here.

About the GLBT Commission

The City of Cambridge GLBT Commission advocates for a culture of respect, and monitors progress toward equality of all persons with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. The Commission is committed to promoting and monitoring policies and practices that have a positive effect on the health, welfare, and safety of all persons who live, visit, or work in the City of Cambridge, with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. The Commission holds monthly meetings which are open to the general public. Please visitwww.cambridgema.gov/glbt for more information.