The City of Davis Human Relations Commission announced today that the nomination period is now open for the Thong Hy Huynh Memorial Awards until March 17, 2025, at 5 p.m. The process to nominate is easy and can be completed in 15 minutes by filling out a simple form and statement. 

Established in 1986, the Thong Hy Huynh Memorial Awards recognizes local individuals or organizations promoting civil rights, civic engagement or positive human relations and are helping improve the quality of life for Davis residents and visitors. The awards are in memory of Davis High School student Thong Hy Huynh, who was stabbed to death on May 4, 1983, and to help raise awareness for social justice and inclusion. 

“Recognizing the efforts of individuals and organizations in our community is vital in our pursuit of social justice and positive change,” said City of Davis Mayor Bapu Vaitla. “As we honor the memory of Thong Hy Huynh, let us keep in mind that each of us has a part to play in fostering a more equitable and inclusive Davis.”

Awards are presented each year in the following three categories: ages under 18, ages 18 and over and community organizations. Community organizations can consist of members of any age. Award nomination forms and guidelines are available online at www.cityofdavis.org. Nominations will be accepted until Monday, March 17, at 5 p.m.  

Qualities to consider in nominating an individual or organization include: 

• Promoting civil rights and/or civic engagement
• Creating positive human relations in our multicultural and diverse community
• Improving the quality of life in Davis for residents and visitors through: health promotion, human services, housing, education, employment, cultural awareness or peaceful means of conflict resolution

Additional information about the award, including past recipients, can be found here: https://www.cityofdavis.org/about-davis/community-awards#huynh.

For more information about the awards, contact Carrie Dyer at 530-747-5863 or at cdyer@cityofdavis.org. Press contact: Barbara Archer, barcher@cityofdavis.org, 530-400-3418