City Announces 2009 Human Rights Award Winners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2009

For additional information, contact
Barbara E. McKinney, Bloomington Human Rights Commission, 349-3429, [mckinneb@bloomington.in.gov|mailto:mckinneb@bloomington.in.gov
]
Danny Lopez, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-CITY, [lopezd@bloomington.in.gov|mailto:lopezd@bloomington.in.gov]

Bloomington, IN - The City of Bloomington Human Rights Commission (BHRC) has announced the winners of its tenth annual Human Rights Awards. This year, the BHRC chose Helen Harrell as the individual recipient and Voices and Visions: Islam and Muslims From A Global Perspective as the organizational recipient.

Harrell was chosen for her tireless work on behalf of human rights. Among her many activities, she's a board member of WFHB, has been awarded a grant to develop the radio program bloomingOUT for WFHB, is a board member of the Bloomington Black Business Association and serves as a columnist for both The Word and Bloomington Alternative.

Voices and Visions was chosen because of its ongoing efforts to tackle issues relating to Islam and Muslims in a balanced, sensitive and scholarly manner. Spearheading the production of 60 podcasts in partnership with WFIU, the organization also has pieced together several community events, including a month-long arts exhibit at the John Waldron Arts Center, film festivals and panel discussions. Voices and Visions also has developed a program entitled "Uncovering Islam: Reporting, Representing and Responsibility," a collaboration with Indiana University's Center for the Study of Global Change, African Studies Program, East Asian Studies Center, Inner Asian and Uralic National Resources Center, Russian and Eastern European Institute, West European Studies and Center for International Business Education and Research.

The Human Rights Award honors individuals or groups that make specific and significant contributions to improving civil rights, human relations or civility in our community. Valeri Haughton, chair of the BHRC, will present the awards at the City of Bloomington Common Council meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 401 N. Morton Street.

###