COEUR d’ALENE — When Francisco Macias took the stage to accept the Bill Wassmuth Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award on Saturday night, he acknowledged “a simple, but revolutionary truth” passed down from the generations that came before him.

“Every person deserves dignity,” Macias said.

Known to many as “Kiko,” Macias was the recipient of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations’ annual award for his work to bring a 135-piece exhibit on the Aryan Nation to Gonzaga University’s campus, in addition to other contributions he’s made as a member of KCTFHR’s board.

“Loving your country has never meant loving hate,” Macias said in his acceptance speech. “Loving your country means loving the people who make it ... every single one.”

Macias received his award in front of a few hundred people who gathered for KCTFHR’s annual banquet, now in its 26th year.

The task force also presented its annual Civil Rights Award, this time to Gonzaga University's Dr. Kristine Hoover — but starting this year, the honor carries a new name.  

The award is now referred to as the Ray and Jeanne Givens Civil Rights Award, a tribute to the late couple known for their decades of engagement in civil rights work.

“Their lives were a testament to leadership,” Hoover said in part, “and to the pursuit of justice, equity, and human dignity.”

The night’s keynote speakers were attorneys Norman Gissel and Ken Howard, who commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Keenan v. Aryan Nations Civil Trial.

Plaintiffs Victoria Keenan and her son, Jason, were awarded $6.3 million in damages after guards from the Aryan Nation compound threatened them and fired several times at their car in July of 1998.

“This historical trial stands out as one of the most significant trials against Nazis and neo-Nazis in American history,” KCTFHR wrote.

Both men had been directly involved in the civil trial, which Howard said highlighted the “risk of violence emerging out of dangerous rhetoric.” 

“This case really holds a strong message that is still relevant today,” Howard said.  

Francisco "Kiko" Macias is handed his Bill Wassmuth Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award by Pam Pratt during the annual KCTFHR banquet Saturday night.

Dr. Kristine Hoover is introduced by KCTFHR secretary Tony Stewart during the organization's annual banquet in Coeur d'Alene on Saturday night.

Ken Howard delivers his keynote speech during KCTFHR's annual banquet in Coeur d'Alene on Saturday night.

Norm Gissel delivers his keynote speech at KCTFHR's annual banquet in Coeur d'Alene on Saturday night.