HomeMy WebLinkAboutTom Oye Award
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Jennifer Bennerotte
Communications & Technology Services Director
Phone 952-833-9520 • Fax 952-826-0389 • www.EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City seeks nominations for annual human rights award
Edina, Minn., Nov. 20, 2012 – The Edina Human Rights & Relations Commission is seeking nominations for
its annual Tom Oye Human Rights Award. The Tom Oye Award for Human Rights Excellence is given
annually at the City of Edina’s All-Volunteer Recognition Reception.
The award is named for the late Tom Oye, a longtime Edina resident and humanitarian who demonstrated
courage and compassion in the advancement of human rights. Oye helped found the Edina Commission in
1970 and served on it for more than 30 years. Oye was a Nisei soldier in World War II, a second -generation
Japanese American who served on the famous Nisei Regimental Combat Team, one of the most decorated
units in U.S. military history.
“There are many individuals in Edina, residents, teachers and workers who have been engaged in the battles
for human rights, dignity and equality,” said Steve Winnick, Committee Chair, “and our job is to find and
recognize them in the name of Mr. Oye, who grew up in a relocation camp and became a national hero”.
Winnick emphasized that the definition of the term “human rights” has been expanded to include freedom
from discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability,
status with regard to public assistance, familial status or national origin.
Anyone living or working in Edina is eligible for the award. Criteria for the award includes:
Has demonstrated efforts to foster respect and dignity for others;
Models courage and/or compassion in the advancement of human rights; and
Has demonstrated leadership by example for improving human relations and/or advancing human
rights.
Applications must be received by Jan. 15, 2013, at Edina City Hall, Human Rights & Relations Commission,
4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55424. Applications are available online at www.EdinaMN.gov or by contacting
City Manager Intern Ari Klugman at 952-826-0429.
For more information, contact Klugman, 952-826-0429, or Winnick, 952-210-6711.
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