By Rich Larson, KYMN News
The Northfield Human Rights Commission has announced the recipients of its prestigious Human Rights Award recognizing those that champion equality and justice in the community.. This year, the award is being presented to both an individual and an organization, which is a change from years past. The individual honoree is Dr. Nancy Antoine, principal of Bridgewater Elementary School, and Northfield Supporting Neighbors, a grassroots organization dedicated to assisting immigrant families, is the organization honoree.
The Human Rights Commission, which was established in the late 1990s, serves as an advisory body to the Northfield City Council, advocating for policies that protect human rights. Recent initiatives include a ban on conversion therapy and a resolution declaring Northfield an LGBTQ+ sanctuary city. Commission Chair Schuyler Vogel, who also serves as the chaplain at Carleton College, said the members of the Commission are well aware that this board is not typical to every city in the country, or even to the State of Minnesota.
“We feel really privileged to be in a position serving in a city [that] has decided there are going to be 7-8 people who are going to be sitting around asking about what’s the edge of human rights work in Northfield. How can we be there, and how can we ensure that Northfield is a place where all human beings feel like they are safe and supported and have a home here?”
Dr. Antoine was selected for her decades-long dedication to education and her leadership in creating inclusive environments for students. Vogel noted that it is hard to think of a better defender of human rights than those who care for our children.
Northfield Supporting Neighbors was honored for its work supporting immigrant families through financial, legal, and cultural assistance. Northfield Staff liaison to the commission, Claudia Garcia, shared a personal perspective on the importance of such efforts, recalling the fear and uncertainty her own family faced during immigration raids in years past, and how important an organization like Northfield Supporting Neighbors is today.
“I mean, even though I’m a citizen and my kids are citizens, it’s still terrifying. People are allowed to racially profile us, even though we’re US citizens. I’m just really thankful that Northfield has people that are organized and like supporting the community. And I feel like we’re really lucky to have that here.”
The awards will be presented during Northfield’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration on Monday, January 19, at the Northfield High School auditorium. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a meet-and-greet, followed by a program featuring the Justice Choir, keynote speaker Dr. Quennel Cooper, and community leaders. All are invited to attend this celebration of justice and inclusion.
