Barnstable County Human Rights Commission Hosts Human Rights Day Event
On Monday, December 10, 2018 the Barnstable County Human Rights Commission hosted a gathering at the Hyannis Golf Course to celebrate International Human Rights Day. The event also honored those in our community who work diligently to support human rights for all.
HRC presented the Rosenthal Community Champion Award to Dan Wolf. This award is given to those in the public sector who have fostered and supported human rights, concepts and ideals, and worked to eliminate discrimination.
The Cornerstone Award was presented to Special Olympics Massachusetts Cape Cod Chapter, which is celebrating its 50h anniversary, and is given to either individuals or groups recognized by their communities who work extensively to protect human rights.
This year the event was held in memory of Scoba Rhodes, who passed away in June of this year.
Human Rights Day commemorates the day the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The UDHR is one of UN’s major achievements as well as the first enunciation of human rights across the world.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights empowers us all. The principles enshrined in the Declaration are as relevant today as they were in 1948. We need to stand up for our own rights and those of others. We can take action in our own daily lives, to uphold the rights that protect us all and thereby promote the kinship of all human beings.
#StandUp4HumanRights
•The Universal Declaration of Human Rights empowers us all.
•Human rights are relevant to all of us, every day.
•Our shared humanity is rooted in these universal values.
•Equality, justice and freedom prevent violence and sustain peace.
•Whenever and wherever humanity’s values are abandoned, we all are at greater risk.
•We need to stand up for our rights and those of others.
“Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home — so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. […] Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
ABOUT THE Barnstable County Human Rights Commission: The Barnstable County Human Rights Commission promotes equal opportunity in housing, employment, education, public accommodations, town and County services, insurance, banking, credit and health care for all persons in Barnstable County, regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital, family or military status, source of income, neighborhood or disability. Learn more about Barnstable County Human Rights Commission.
PROGRAM
Welcome and Introductions
Alan Milsted, Chair – Barnstable County Human Rights Commission
Jack Yunits, Jr. – Barnstable County Administrator
Commemoration of the late Scoba F. Rhodes, Jr.
Keynote address:
Gretchen Arvanitopoulos, President of Cape Organization for Rights of the Disabled
Cornerstone Award:
Special Olympics, Massachusetts – Cape Cod Chapter
Presented by Alan Milsted
Rosenthal Award:
Dan Wolf
Presented by Dave Schropfer
Citations:
Julian Cyr
State Representative David Vieira 3rd Barnstable District
Representatives of:
Board of County Commissioners