November 12 , 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Farhana Hibbert, HRAC Chair, at 234-7382

HUMAN RELATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE PRESENTS AWARD
James H. Yizar, Jr. to Receive Award November 15, 2008

The City of Pocatello’s Human Relations Advisory Committee is presenting a Human and Civil Rights Award to James H. Yizar, Jr. on Saturday, November 15, 2008 during Idaho State University’s International Night.

James H. Yizar, Jr. was born in southeast Los Angeles to James Sr. and Gladys Yizar. After graduating from Belmont High School, Mr. Yizar accepted a track and field scholarship to Idaho State University (ISU). He earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in counseling from ISU and is currently a doctoral candidate in educational leadership at ISU. Byrd, as he is often referred to, is the Associate Dean of Students at ISU. He has over 29 years of higher education experience. Mr. Yizar is married to Joanna, and they have two daughters, Jamiece and Jaelyn.

The Human and Civil Rights Award honors individuals in the community who are committed to the quality of human rights and equal opportunities for citizens of Pocatello. Past recipients of this award include Farhana Hibbert and Clayton C. Diggie, Sr.

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About Human Relations Advisory Committee (HRAC): This volunteer advisory board for the City of Pocatello was established to advise the City Council as to actions the Council might take to remedy human relations and civil rights concerns in the city; to serve as a forum in which citizens or groups of citizens may informally present grievances, concerns and proposals; to investigate quality of equal rights, privileges and opportunity for all residents; and to develop programs to educate the public about current human relations, civil rights and diversity. The ten members of the committee represent a cross-section of the community.