Gov. Bev Perdue today announced Donice Maria Harbor as the recipient of the 2010 John R. Larkins Award. Harbor was recognized posthumously for her many contributions as a state employee to human and race relations in the workplace and to her community. The award was presented at the Annual State Employees’ Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observance Program.

“Donice was a truly special young woman who lived to help others,” Gov. Perdue said. “During a life of exceptional works and selflessness, Donice was devoted to improving race relations and being a voice for those who had none. She embodied the Larkins’ ideals through her personal commitment to human relations, equality and justice.”

Harbor was the Director of the Office of Citizens and Faith Outreach within the Governor’s Office. She succumbed to lengthy battle with breast cancer on July 15, 2009.



Harbor was actively involved in numerous grassroots organizations, representing minority communities in public policy and other arenas. Her personal service and involvement extended to the NAACP, the Commission on Indian Affairs, the Governor’s Council on Hispanic & Latino Affairs, the North Carolina Black Elected Officials and her beloved sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.

Harbor’s key projects within those organizations included a focus on educating people on human rights and motivating citizens to exercise their right to vote. She was a founding member of the Strength in Numbers Partnership. Strength in Numbers is a partnership of more than 14 nonprofit organizations collaborating on their respective resources to bring awareness, education, and civic engagement in the political process.



The John R. Larkins Award was created in 1998 as one of North Carolina’s highest honors in public service. Larkins, who joined state government in 1942, helped create and expand the state’s programs for minorities, the poor and the disadvantaged, including establishment of the Good Neighbor Council, now known as the Human Relations Commission.