Washington--The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, received a notable award Sunday from the Metro Birmingham NAACP chapter. The honor acknowledges HRC’s commitment to advancing equality for all Alabamians. The All in for Justice and Equality Award is bestowed upon advocates, community leaders, and organizations aggressively pushing for equality.

“HRC Alabama gladly accepts this honor which highlights our commitment to promote enduring legal protections across the state,” said HRC Alabama director Ashley Jackson. “The Metro Birmingham NAACP is a strong partner in our efforts to prevent discrimination of not only lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, but all citizens of Alabama.”

HRC Alabama received the award Sunday at St. Paul United Methodist Church during the NAACP’s Salute to Outstanding Service program, which is a 14- year celebration highlighting the accomplishments and achievements of key community members..

“We feel that the work of the HRC in Alabama is critical to moving the rest of this nation to a land where all of us can be free. Until all of us are free, none of us are free,” said Hezekiah Jackson IV, President of Metro Birmingham NAACP. “This year, we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which created the U.S. Employment Opportunity Commission and barred discrimination with federal programs and public facilities. The NAACP is an official supporter of the Human Rights Campaign and we are on record for equality for all.”

According to a recent HRC survey, 61 percent of LGBT people have called Alabama home for more than 20 years, but half experience harassment on the street. HRC Alabama is working across the state to change hearts and minds, advance enduring legal protections and build more inclusive institutions from the workplace to the church house. Alabama has no municipal or statewide protections in housing, workplace, or public accommodations.