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.

Join us for an evening of FREE family-friendly fun and community engagement!

Co-hosted by the Human Relations Office and the Wilson Police Department, this annual event brings residents together with local public safety agencies and community organizations to strengthen relationships, share valuable resources, and celebrate our community.

Event Highlights:

• FREE Kids Zone
• Music and family-friendly games
• More than 30 interactive community organization booths
• Over 20 fire trucks, police vehicles, and other emergency service displays
• Food trucks featuring a variety of local favorites.

FREE Child Safety IDs – Because Every Child Is Priceless

As part of the Human Relations Office's ongoing community outreach efforts, we are offering FREE Child Safety ID cards at National Night Out and other upcoming community events.

Getting a Child Safety ID is quick and easy:

1. Provide your child's basic information.
2. Have your child's photo taken.
3. Receive a printed Child Safety ID card to keep for your records.

This valuable resource can assist families by providing important identifying information should it ever be needed.

2026 Paul Lee Stevens Humanitarian of the Year

Dr. JoAnne Woodard

Dr. Woodard is the visionary founder of Sallie B. Howard School of Arts & Sciences, which is a tuition-free public charter school. She established the Youth Enrichment Program (YEP) in 1989 which had 400 children for its first summer programming. YEP continued to grow for eight summers, as Dr. Woodard simultaneously planned the opening of the charter school. Sallie B. Howard School, which opened in 1997, serves more than 1,200 students annually.  With educational training in child psychology, Dr. Woodard is determined to create an environment that sustains better lives, greater opportunities and thriving careers. Wilson's youth are stronger because she chose to invest her education, her expertise, and her faith in them. 

The Paul Lee Stevens Humanitarian of the Year award is a lifetime achievement award given to those who have given unselfishly and gone above and beyond the call of duty. 

 Other nominees for Humanitarian of the Year were:

  Cordain Dancy

Mr. Dancy demonstrates extraordinary leadership in his community service that centers on HIV and STI education, test, prevention and resources. His passion leads him around the community, day and night, into neighborhoods and to community events raising awareness. His mobile unit is always on the move creating access to life-saving resources to those often marginalized. In spaces where stigma can isolate individuals, he creates belonging and safety. 

Jacquie Jeffers

 Best known as "Lady J", Mrs. Jeffers has dedicated more than 30 years serving as an educator, mentor, and advocate. Her leadership began in the classroom, but has extended to the Martin Luther King, Jr. State Commission and the Share the Dream Project. Her educational out reach includes youth initiatives, community engagement, and advocacy that upholds principals of service and inclusion. Her extensive background includes media, television production, radio, advertising, leadership, performing arts, motivational speaking, author and literacy efforts. 

 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

• 2026 - Dr. JoAnne Woodard 
• 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