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Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission Seeks Nominations for Human Rights Awards  

October 13, 2023 (Barnstable, MA) – The Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission is pleased to announce its Annual Human Rights Awards Celebration, scheduled to take place on December 11, 2023. The event will be held from 8:30 am to 10:30 am at the Cape Cod Conference Center, located at the Hyport Conference Center, 35 Scudder Ave., Hyannis. 

In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, this year’s event will revolve around the theme “Celebrating 75 Years of Human Rights Advocacy: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.” The celebration aims to recognize the enduring legacy of human rights work carried out in Barnstable County over the years, while also highlighting the emergence of new faces and fresh ideas in the ongoing endeavor to safeguard and promote basic rights for all. 

Nominations are currently being sought for three distinguished awards: the Rosenthal Community Award, the Cornerstone Award, and the Unsung Heroes Award. Nomination submissions must include contact information for both the nominator and the candidate, as well as a comprehensive explanation of the reasons for the nomination. The deadline for submitting nominations is set for the close of business on October 30, 2023.  The award descriptions and application forms are linked below. 

The Rosenthal Community Champion Award, named after Irving Leopold Rosenthal, is given to individuals in the public sector (law enforcement, elected officials, etc.) recognized by their peers, community, and associates as individuals who have fostered and supported human rights, concepts, and ideals, particularly those who have worked to advance human rights and to eliminate discrimination against immigrants in Barnstable County. https://barnstablecounty.formstack.com/forms/2023rosenthal 

The Cornerstone Award is given to individuals recognized by their peers, community, and associates as those who have fostered and supported human rights, concepts, and ideals. https://barnstablecounty.formstack.com/forms/2023cornerstone 

The Unsung Heroes Recognition is an honorary recognition given to individuals or organizations in Barnstable County who play an important role in advocating for Human Rights and Civil Rights. Nominations can highlight individuals and/or organizations that have uplifted human rights and dignity over many years. Nominations can also highlight new leaders in the work for preserving and protecting human rights and civil rights. https://barnstablecounty.formstack.com/forms/2023unsungheroes 

ABOUT THE BARNSTABLE COUNTY HUMAN RIGHTS ADVISORY COMMISSION: The mission of the Human Rights Advisory Commission is to promote equal opportunity for all persons of Barnstable County regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, gender, age, ancestry, sexual or affectional preference marital, family or military status, source of income, neighborhood or disability, where unlawful discrimination exists in housing, employment, education, public accommodations, town or county services, insurance, banking, credit, and health care. Learn more at https://www.capecod.gov/departments/human-rights-advisory-commission/  

ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD: Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at  https://www.capecod.gov/