Programs

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The Human Rights Commission educates the public through challenging and informative programs and discussions on human rights issues. Recent programs hosted or co-sponsored by the Human Rights Commission include:

Upstander Workshop with True Story Theater
The Many Faces of Newton: Our Students Speak Out About Race and Racism
Civil Rights: How Far We Have Come, How Far We Have to Go
Having Difficult Conversations with Ourselves and Our Children About Race and Racism
Interfaith Panel Discussion: Examining the Three Abrahamic Faiths
Unveiled: A One Woman Play
Overdue: Confronting Race and Racism series

Interested in working with us to host a program? Complete a program proposal form and submit to hrc@newtonma.gov.

Newton Human Rights Award

The Newton Human Rights Award recognizes an individual who, by his or her efforts has improved the quality of life in Newton by promoting greater understanding and appreciation of race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or ancestry, or by working to reduce discrimination in areas such as housing, employment, or education. The award is based on a person's overall commitment to human rights work. Every year the Newton Human Rights Commission also recognizes Newton high school students for their involvement and advocacy in human rights issues.

Past Recipients

1985: Irene Egan & Eloise Houghton
1986: Carol Beard
1987: Linda & Everett Blake And Alice & John Webber
1988: Leonard Zakim
1989: Newton North High School Human Rights Committee & Lt. Charles E. Feeley
1990: Jason Rosenberg
1991: Daniel P. Kunitz
1992: Nadine Cohen
1993: Phyllis Monderer
1994: Rev. Gerry Krick
1995: Hon. David B. Cohen
1996: Michael Bourg
1997: Setti Warren
1998: Fr. Walter H. Cuenin

1999: Jeanne White
2000: Josephine MacNeil
2001: Mike Feldstein & Hank Van Putten
2002: Sheila Decter
2003: Claire Kashuck
2004: Dr. Katharine Butler Jones
2005: Rev. Howard M. Haywood
2006: John Shattuck
2007: Dr. Howard Wishnie
2008: Ellen Lubell & Doris Tennant
2009: Audrey Cooper
2010: Mary Margaret Pappas
2011: Robert Caruso & Girard Plante

2013: Maryann Ferguson Mayfield
2014: Arese & Walter Carrington
2015: Tyrone Powell
2016: Holly Gunner
2017: Dr. Janet Helms
2018: Newton Public School Educators
2019: Susan Church
2022: Bruce Apotheker
2023: Dr. Justin Holtzman

LGBTQ+ Pride

Every year for LGBTQ+ Pride Month, the HRC raises the Pride flag and honors an individual or individuals for their contributions and commitment to the LGBTQ+ community in Newton. Past honorees:

2023: ToBeGlad Planning Committee
2022: Newton South High School GSA
2021: LGBTQ+ health care workers at Newton Wellesley Hospital
2020: Amit Paley
2019: David Gaita
2018: Reverend Brandon Thomas Crowley
2017: Bob Parlin
2016: Holly Ryan and Dr. Deborah Bershal
2015: Jennifer Price
2014: Maureen Brodoff and Ellen Wade

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