The Human Relations office provides innovative services and programs enhancing the quality of life for the people and communities of the City of Wilson. The office meets the needs of the City's diverse citizenry by serving as a primary referral resource for human services, coordinating and facilitating citizen involvement and improving community relations. The Human Relations office strives to offer services to the community with integrity and inclusion of all citizens. Our goal is to work together across the City to reach true civic engagement.

Humanitarian of the Year Selected for 2025

YoLanda Davis was recognized as the Paul Lee Stevens Humanitarian of the Year at the Human Relations Awards Banquet held March 10, 2025. Ms. Davis is a retired Army Veteran. On Christmas morning in 2007, she tragically lost her son. She transformed her grief and pain into action by co-founding Dee's House, named after her son, to help underprivileged children. The first project was Dee's Boyz helping boys, ages 8-25 in a tutorial program. 

Ms. Davis later added a tuition free Pre-K program for low-income families. She has been the Director of Dee's House for more than 20 years. 

One of her nomination letters stated, "I cannot convey the full level of challenges Dee's House has helped others overcome and the tremendous positive impact it has had in the community." Another letter stated, "It is impossible to sum up the greatness of this woman in a single letter. She has bravely and beautifully dedicated her life to every child that walks through the door."

Ms. Davis also previously served as President of the local NAACP, volunteers with Wilson Preparatory Academy, mentors youth through the American Legion, volunteers with Meals on Wheels, and co-founder of the Human Justice Coalition. 

Other nominees for Humanitarian of the Year were:

Dr. Sarah Hardy who is the founder of the Big Sisters & Big Brothers Club of Five Points, volunteers as a leader in a couples and marriage ministry, served on the board of OIC, and served on the Wilson City Council in the 90's.

Matyre Knight served for 40 years as a teacher and now volunteers as a tutor, volunteers with Jackson Chapel FMB Church, is an active member of the NAACP and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and previously served as a Human Relations Commissioner. 

 To see winners in other awards categories, click on the Human Relations Awards tab on the menu at the left. 

Past Winners of the

Paul Lee Stevens Humanitarian Award

• 2025 - YoLanda Davis 
• 2024 - William "Bill" Myers
• 2023 - Colavita S. Tyson
• 2022 - Bobby Ray Pittman
• 2021 - Scott Biddle
• 2020 - DuWanda Epps
• 2019 - Henry Skinner
• 2018 - Neil Connor
• 2017 - DuWanda Epps
• 2016 - Gary Farmer
• 2015 - Nancy Craft
• 2014 - Jerome Vick
• 2013 - June Sessoms
• 2012 - Brockman Plauche
• 2011 - Kay Bunch
• 2010 - Cananie B. Taylor
• 2009 - Daryl Woodard
• 2008 - Isaac J. Everette
• 2007 - Joseph N. Perry, Jr.
• 2006 - Ester Askew
• 2004 - Doretha Kent
• 2003 - Edwin "Eddie" Price
• 2003 - Evangelist Geraldine Whitley
• 2002 - Otis Lee Sherrod
• 2000 - Charles Batts