Tennesseans of differing races, colors and creeds gathered for the annual celebration of International Human Rights Day this week. During the event, leaders were acknowledged and awards recognizing human rights champions were given in three categories: Rising Advocate, Outstanding Service and Lifetime Achievement.
Outstanding Service Awards went to Tamika Braden who founded The HELP Center in Nashville, TN in 2014 to help prison inmates get good-paying jobs, continued education, and support after they return to their homes; Jenn Garcia who has been dedicated to serving youth in Davidson County and Middle TN with the Oasis Center for nearly 20 years; Martesha Johnson Moore, the Nashville Metropolitan Chief Public Defender, a Nashville native and the first African-American to be elected to this position who has devoted her entire career to public defense work; and Kelly Sue Waller, director of Southern Crossroads who began a campaign for affordable housing in Shelby County.
