From staff reports

DURHAM -- The North Carolina Justice Center presented awards to several groups and individuals, including Durham lawmaker Floyd McKissick Jr. at its Defenders of Justice Awards dinner at the American Tobacco Campus Thursday night.

Bob Edgar, president and CEO of Common Cause was keynote speaker.

The honorees, with their citations, included:

n State Sen. Floyd McKissick Jr., D-Durham, for being an effective champion of the disenfranchised, securing legislation that strengthens fair housing rights, and advocating fervently for the groundbreaking Racial Justice Act.

n State Rep. Pricey Harrison, D-Greensboro for her support of low-income families and communities on such issues as health care, quality education, the environment, campaign and ethics reform, consumer protection, workers' rights, and the need for a fair tax system.

n Angaza Laughinghouse, president of NC Public Service Workers Union, Local 150, for his commitment to advocating for and organizing workers so they can secure better working conditions, fairer pay and the right to collective bargaining.

n AARP North Carolina for being an aggressive voice for the needs of older adults, particularly those struggling to make ends meet, and for securing numerous legislative victories that have improved the lives of its members and their families.

n John Alan Jones and Chris Olson of Martin Jones for using their legal skills to pursue cases that expand consumer protections so all North Carolinians can pursue effective recourse for unfair business practices.