Bud Herron
A Franklin resident and the former publisher of the Daily Journal will be honored for speaking up for the marginalized at 6:30 p.m. June 27 during the annual Columbus Human Rights Commission Dinner at The Commons.
Howard “Bud” Herron, a former publisher and columnist at The (Columbus) Republic and the Daily Journal will receive the prestigious William R. Laws Human Rights Award during the dinner. Another honoree, First Presbyterian Pastor Felipe Martinez, will also receive the award.
The honor is named after the late, former pastor and social justice leader Rev. William R. Laws at Columbus’ First Presbyterian Church from 1950 to 1976. The award is presented to those advocating for eliminating barriers facing people of color, women, persons with disabilities, religious minorities, or others who have been treated unequally because of prejudice; or those creating safeguards to protect the rights of others.
Herron will be honored for his 10 years as a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate for the nonprofit local Advocates For Children. CASA volunteers are trained to speak on behalf of children and youngsters linked to legal cases of abuse or neglect.
Herron did that volunteer work from 2008 to 2018, and also worked for about two years on the Advocate’s paid staff as a guardian ad litem, again protecting the interests of those unable to care for themselves. He still gets cards and letters from those he helped. He recently even attended one such youngster’s youth sports event.
He grew up in Hope, then later lived in Columbus for years, but moved to Franklin in July.
“The work was absolutely life-changing,” said Herron, who also wrote about the importance of the role. “I’ll humbly accept the award on behalf of all the children I worked with.”
Herron said the honor means even more because he was aware of Laws’ efforts when Herron interned decades ago as a Republic reporter — when Laws was still in the midst of his community-wide push for equality and more.
Martinez knew of Laws’ considerable legacy when he arrived in Columbus in 2015 to lead First Presbyterian. From the beginning of Martinez’s time in Columbus, he has been among the most visible and outspoken leaders for immigration reform, respect and equality for population segments such as LGBTQ residents, and racial and religious harmony.
He also was pivotal among area leaders for helping six Afghan families relocate here.
On the faith issue, he was among the organizers and speakers for the recent inaugural Interfaith National Day of Prayer in Columbus alongside Muslims, Hindus, Unitarians and others. On immigration, the Mexican native has been a strong defender of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival students here and how they should be embraced.
“I’m very humbled by this award,” Martinez said. “To have my name mentioned even in the same breath as Dr. Laws’ is a rather amazing feeling. I’m committed to leading this congregation — the congregation that his legacy is still a part of. So this award is a recognition really of the work of this church.
“I’m just doing my part to be supportive of their direction. So, actually, I’m simply one part of a much larger conversation. And I’m very grateful for that,” he said.
The keynote speaker at the dinner will be Amy Nelson, the executive director of the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana. In this role, she spearheaded the establishment of the agency in 2011 and has directed the office to national prominence as one of the most effective fair housing agencies.
The mission of the center is to ensure equal housing opportunities by eliminating housing discrimination through advocacy, enforcement, education, and outreach.
Aida Ramirez, executive director of the Columbus Human Rights Commission, sees the Laws award as one way to encourage others to be a voice of fairness and equality.
“I think it’s so very important for a community to highlight the good work that people do, and in turn, the good work that others also can be inspired to do for the community,” Ramirez said. “It’s also important for people to see firsthand the power of one individual, and how that individual can help to make a dramatic change, whether that’s directly solving problems or maybe even building bridges, or establishing new relationships.”
About the event
What: Columbus Human Rights Commission annual dinner
When: 6:30 p.m. June 27
Where: The Commons, 300 Washington St. in downtown Columbus
Tickets: May be purchased for $30 per person at the Human Rights Commission office located in City Hall at
123 Washington St. in Columbus or online at columbus.in.gov/human-rights/
By Brian Blair — The (Columbus) Republic is a sister newspaper to the Daily Journal.
