N.C. Department of Correction news release

BRIGHT RECEIVES LEWYN HAYES AWARD

Goldsboro - Frank Bright, a retired 34-year DOC veteran, received the Lewyn Hayes Award during the Minority Pioneers annual reunion in April. The award, which is the group’s top honor, was presented to Bright for his outstanding service and impressive career in the Department of Correction.

Bright will long be remembered for his tireless efforts and strong push for integrated caseloads. He encouraged supervision of white offenders by black officers and vice-versa. Because of his efforts, the attorney general’s office moved that segregated caseloads were illegal, according to DAPP officials. In 1970, all probation and parole caseloads became integrated.

"Frank Bright was an inspiration and mentor to many minorities in the correction profession," said Deputy Secretary Theodis Beck. "His record of accomplishment is worthy of this distinguished honor."

Frank Bright with Mrs. Lewyn Hayes after Bright
received the honor named after Mrs. Hayes's late husband.
 

"If it were not for Frank Bright and many others like him, none of us would be where we are today in our career development," said DAPP Assistant Director Larry Harris. "I’ve never seen any fear in Frank Bright, nor have I seen any hesitancy on what was right or what was wrong. I’ve never seen him waiver in his position when fighting for a just cause.

Bright began his career as a Durham probation officer in 1960. In 1973, he was named branch manager. He began to quickly move up through the ranks. In 1974, he became the first African American appointed director of program services. Bright later became the first African American named chief of field operations. In 1981, Bright was again the first African American appointed assistant secretary for programs and development.


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