Inaugural ICON Award Announced; Accepting Nominations

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. - The Independence Human Relations Commission is now accepting nominations for the Independence Champion of Non-Discrimination Award (ICON), to promote the ideals of understanding and respect of others.

The Independence Human Relations Commission will be awarding both an individual ICON award and an ICON award to a local business.  

Individual nominees shall be of individuals who demonstrate a commitment to prevent discrimination in the community regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, or any other status that is protected by Federal or State law.

Business Award nominees should be of local businesses or organizations that demonstrate concrete efforts to embrace a welcoming workplace culture that adheres to the principles of non-discrimination regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, or any other status that is protected by Federal or State law.

Though the Human Relations Commission is more than 60 years old (established in 1964 by the City Council), this is the first year for the ICON award.  The Commission annually awards the MLK Award in January at the MLK Celebration.

Nominations and questions may be submitted to the Independence Human Relations Commission through their staff liaison John Mayfield at jmayfield@indepmo.org no later than Friday, May 9, 2025. Recipients will receive their award on June 28th.