HomeMy WebLinkAboutDec 3 - Tom Oye Nominations
City of Edina 4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Krystal Caron, Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-826-0347 kcaron@EdinaMN.gov www.EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nominations Now Being Collected for Human Rights Award
Edina, Minn., Dec. 3, 2015 – The City of Edina Human Rights & Relations Commission (HRRC) is
accepting nominations for the 2016 Tom Oye Human Rights Award, recognizing members of the community
whose good work promotes human relations and advances human rights.
The award was established in recognition of the late Tom Oye who helped found the Edina Human Rights &
Relations Commission (HRRC) in 1970 and served on it for more than 30 years. Oye was also a Nisei soldier in
World War II, a second-generation Japanese American who served in the 100th Infantry Battalion of the 442nd
Regimental Combat Team. In 2003, Oye received the Prize for Humanity by the Immortal Chaplains
Foundation.
Jessi Kingston received the 2015 Tom Oye Human Rights Award for her continual efforts in creating
opportunities for diversity, equality and gender-inclusion. In her professional career, Kingston has strived to find
opportunities to work with women-owned or minority-owned suppliers, as well as to provide training and
networking opportunities for women.
“It seems as important now as it ever has been to recognize individuals in our community who work to advance
human rights and our relationships with each other, whether that is in the community or on a larger scale,” said
HRRC Member Sarah Rinn. “The Committee is seeking nominations of individuals – teachers, workers,
volunteers – who strive for dignity and equality and will recognize them in Mr. Oye’s honor.”
Anyone who lives or works in Edina is eligible for the Tom Oye Human Rights Award. Nominees will be
evaluated based on their efforts to foster respect and dignity for others, model courage and/or compassion in
the advancement of human rights, and demonstrate leadership by example for improving human relations or
advancing human rights. The term “human rights” includes freedom from discrimination because of race, color,
creed religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, status with regard to public
assistance, familiar status or national origin.
Applications must be received by Jan. 15, 2016. The 2016 Tom Oye Human Rights Award Application can be
found online at www.EdinaMN.gov/humanrights. For more information or to receive a paper copy of the
application, contact MJ Lamon at 952-826-0360 or mlamon@EdinaMN.gov.
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