COLUMBUS — The Ohio Civil Rights Commission is excited to announce that the nomination period for the eighth annual Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame has begun. The Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame seeks to acknowledge outstanding Ohioans who are recognized as pioneers in human and civil rights and who have advanced the pursuit of equality and inclusion.

Hall of Fame honorees have demonstrated exemplary leadership, service, and advocacy in the area of civil rights and performed extraordinary acts aimed at eliminating barriers to equality. Since the first Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame event in 2009, 55 Ohioans have been inducted to the Hall of Fame. Honorees include luminaries like Jessie Owens, Toni Morrison and Gloria Steinem. “We look forward to welcoming another great group of Ohioans into this prestigious group,” said Leonard Hubert, chair of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission.

This year’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on October 6, 2016 and is sponsored by PNC, Honda of America and Wright State University. The Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame nomination process requires a nominator’s statement of intent, three letters of support from members of the community and a summary of the nominee’s accomplishments. For more details, see the official nomination form or visit the Ohio Civil Rights Commission website. Completed nominations must be post marked by July 1, 2016.