Home > 2006 News

Seattle Organization Honors McDermott
with Human Rights Award
December 12, 2005

The Greater Seattle Chapter of the Links, an international predominantly African American women’s volunteer organization, recognized Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) with its Human Rights Leadership Award during a presentation on December 11.

Chapter leaders said the award is presented annually to a person who is fighting for social and economic justice. According to local organizers, this is the first time the award has been given to someone other than an African American.

The Seattle chapter, one of 275 across the U.S. and in other countries, honored McDermott during an event celebrating “A Golden Legacy: 50 Years of Community Service, 1955-2005” to the Seattle community.

Also honored was Lacy Steele. Mr. Steele, a retired Boeing manager, served as president of the NAACP Seattle Branch for 24 years, and held leadership posts on the regional and national levels, as well.

The award Rep. McDermott received is an original work of art entitled “Fire Carrier” that was created by famed Seattle artist Barbara Earl Thomas specifically for the occasion and recipient.