Harriett “Liz” Byrd Award

The Harriett “Liz” Byrd Award recognizes an individual or group for outstanding contributions in the areas of human relations, multiculturalism and/or diversity in the field of education. This Award honors an educator, friend of education, or group who has worked to promote collaboration and harmony among diverse groups.

The award is named after Harriett “Liz” Byrd. A long time WEA member, and the first African-American elected to the Wyoming Legislature, Byrd graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education from West Virginia State College, a historically black in college in Institute West Virginia in 1949, and returned to Wyoming in order to apply for a teaching job with the Laramie County School District, but was denied employment because of her race.

She was subsequently hired as a civilian instructor in the Department of Administrative Services at F. E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming. In 1959, the Laramie County School District reversed its earlier decision and hired her as an elementary school teacher based in Cheyenne for 27 years. In 1976, she earned an M.A. degree from the University of Wyoming. Byrd served in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 1980 to 1988, and in the Wyoming Senate from 1988 to 1992, becoming the first African-American to serve in both houses. During her career in the state legislature, she sponsored legislation establishing a state holiday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., achieving a partial victory in 1991 through the establishment of the Martin Luther King, Jr./Wyoming Equality Day which is popularly recognized as King Day in the state. Other legislation she sponsored included requiring the use of child safety restraints, expansion of available handicapped parking, and establishment of social services programs for adults.

The recipient of the award shall be selected on the basis of the following documentation:

• A. Description of human relations, multicultural, or diversity projects within the state of Wyoming
• B. Summary of other relevant activities
• C. Individuals or groups affected by nominee’s activities
• D. Promotional materials for the highlighted activities and projects

To be considered for the award, an individual or group may be an active or retired member(s) of the WEA or shall be sponsored by a local affiliate. WEA/NEA members may self-nominate, be nominated by a colleague, or be sponsored by a local affiliate.

This award will be presented during the WEA Awards and Recognition Banquet during Delegate Assembly. The Board of Directors of WEA shall serve as the selection committee, and no person who is a member of the Board of Directors at the time of selection shall be eligible for consideration.