By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and the City of San Diego Human Relations Commission, in partnership with the San Diego LGLBTQ Historic Task Force, honored 10 San Diegans who positively impacted their communities through their advocacy and dedication to civil rights and justice with a special awards ceremony at San Diego City Hall on Friday.
The honorees were nominated by previous recipients as well as current Human Relations Commission members in recognition of the values that embody the legacy of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin. He was a key strategist of the 1963 March on Washington, a champion of nonviolence and a trailblazing advocate for both racial equality and LGBTQ+ rights.
“The City of San Diego Human Relations Commission is dedicated to amplifying every voice,” said Rev. Gerald Brown, Human Relations Commission Executive Director. “During Black History Month, we celebrate the best of humanity and the realized dreams of leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Bayard Rustin, recognizing that our shared humanity unites us through common dreams, struggles and aspirations, deserving of dignity and respect for all. We congratulate all of the honorees.”
Among the award recipients were San Diego Fire-Rescue Chief Robert Logan II and Satomi Rash-Zeigler, executive director of the University of California San Diego Labor Center. Mayor Gloria appointed Chief Logan in June 2024. Logan, a native San Diegan, has over 24 years of experience with the San Diego Fire Department.
“The fire service helped me develop resilience and an understanding of our community’s diverse needs and realities,” said Chief Logan. “I am honored to receive this award today, which is a testament to my commitment to helping others in the face of difficult or life-changing circumstances.”
Rash-Zeigler has worked in the labor movement for more than 20 years, championing employment opportunities with family-sustaining wages and expanding skills training opportunities for workers.
“It was a privilege to celebrate alongside fellow advocates and leaders in our community, all dedicated to the values that Bayard Rustin championed,” Executive Director Rash-Zeigler said. “I am excited to contribute to this special evening in celebration of our shared commitment to justice and equality.”
Other honorees included Kenya Taylor, president of the San Diego Branch NAACP, Miesha Rice, director of the Advancement Director of Alliance San Diego, Daj’ahn Blevins, organizer of the San Diego Urban Warriors and Community Organizer, Pamuela Halliwell, licensed marriage and family therapist, Austin Galy, senior director of Social and Economic Mobility at University of San Diego’s Mulvaney Center, Jeffrey T. Jennings, original member of the San Diego Black Panther, Professor T.J. Tallie, University of San Diego History, Anita Hill, Philo Affiliates committee member, Sigma Gamma Rho Outreach and Recruitment.
“I am eternally grateful to be receiving this prestigious award for work I believe is my life’s purpose and an anchoring connection to the City of San Diego,” said Advancement Director Miesha Rice. “I am a reflection of a host of powerful community leaders that have poured into me and given me space to grow in my power and presence.”
NAACP San Diego Branch President Kenya Taylor was grateful to receive the recognition for her service to the community.
“We are stronger together,” said NAACP San Diego Branch President Kenya Taylor. “Our NAACP San Diego has a 106-year legacy of ensuring the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and works to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. We must unite to build on the greatness of San Diego. It’s critical for us to celebrate the great efforts of diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
Pamuela Halliwell thanked city leaders for the “great honor and appreciation” to be nominated for the Bayard Rustin award.
“Bayard Rustin stood for so many things that we are still fighting for today. During a time in this country where we are needing a strong leader even more, the steps he walked remain evident and profound, and in his own words,” Halliwell said. “We are all one, and if we don’t know it, we will learn it the hard way. Through his words and the line of amazing Black leaders before us, we are motivated, empowered, called on to walk through this dark time with our heads high and to shine the night sky with a billion stars of light, guiding the path for a new way forward.”
Rustin was a trailblazing leader and civil rights activist who played a pivotal role in both the fight for racial equality and LGBTQIA2S+ rights. As a Black man at the forefront of social justice, his courage, intellect, and dedication helped shape the civil rights movement and continue to inspire future generations.
Rustin’s activism began in the 1930s after he moved to New York, where he took part in early civil rights demonstrations. Renowned for his strategic organizing and commitment to nonviolent resistance, he became a key adviser to Martin Luther King Jr. in the mid-1950s. Working alongside labor leader A. Philip Randolph, he played a pivotal role in planning and leading the 1963 March on Washington. Despite facing multiple arrests for his civil disobedience and living openly as a gay man, Rustin remained steadfast in his fight for equality until his passing in 1987 at the age of 75.
The City Human Relations Commission advises the mayor and city council on methods to ensure that all city residents have equal access to economic, political and educational opportunities and equal access to service protection and accommodation in all businesses and public agencies. The commission collaborates with community groups to create comprehensive educational programs that address interracial, inter-religious and intercultural understanding and investigates and mediates discrimination complaints about employment, housing and public accommodations.
