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By OW Staff --

Atlanta, GA -- Eight of some the nation’s most prestigious leading civil rights advocates, including Congresswoman Diane E. Watson, were inducted into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame last Friday (Jan. 29). The induction ceremony, sponsored by the Trumpet Awards Foundation, took place at the commemorative landmark, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site. Congressman James E. Clyburn, Judge Damon J. Keith, Rev. Samuel Billy Kyles, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), Eugene C. Patterson, Rev. Albert Sampson, and Rita Jackson Samuels were also inducted at the event.

“I am elated to be among the recipients of this year’s prestigious award,” Watson said. “I pledge to continue the fight for freedom, justice, quality education and affordable healthcare for all.”

Preceding the ceremony, Watson’s, along with the eight distinguished inductees’ shoes used for to make footprints were on display during the unveiling program.

Xerona Clayton established the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame to give recognition to the foot soldiers of justice who sacrificed and struggled to make equality a reality for all.

“This is a permanent testimony to those who have committed their lives to uplifting mankind and dedicated themselves to human progress,” Clayton announced.

This extraordinary display has become one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city of Atlanta and has enriched the heritage of the civil rights movement.

Clayton is also the founder and executive producer of the Trumpet Awards.