INC NEWS - City Celebrates Annual Human Relations Month

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>From the City PR Dept.
RWP
27 Beverly

Durham, N.C. – In February, the City of Durham Human Relations Commission
and Human Relations Department will observe Durham’s Annual Human
Relations Month. The theme for this year’s celebration is, "Building
Families One Home at a Time.”
 
The Human Relations Commission and Department have planned a number of
activities throughout the month including a gala and awards ceremony, a
hate crimes workshop, a vigil against violence, a student success program,
and a forum celebrating women’s achievements.  All citizens are invited to
attend these free events.
 
“We are excited about the activities that we have planned for Durham
citizens. There is something for everyone,” said Yvonne Peña, the director
for the City’s Department of Human Relations. “Every citizen of Durham
should participate in this year’s celebration to learn about how they can
help shape Durham and the future of human relations in our City.”
 
Month-long activities include:
 
Friday, February 3, 2006
7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Human Relations Gala and Awards Ceremony
Millennium Hotel, 2800 Campus Walk, Durham
(R.S.V.P. required)
Honorees include:  Ann Atwater, a civil rights activist, and Dr. Evelyn
Schmidt with Lincoln Community Health Center and Habitat for Humanity.


Tuesday, February 7, 2006
6 p.m.

Overview of Hate Crimes
City Hall Briefing Room, 1st Floor, 101 City Hall Plaza, Durham


Wednesday, February 8, 2006
5:30 p.m. – Reception
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Forum

Women’s Forum – Celebrating Women’s Achievements
City Council Chambers, 1st Floor, 101 City Hall Plaza, Durham
(R.S.V.P. required)
Forum panelists include:
·         Katina Rankin, anchor with WTVD 11
·         Deborah Giles, director of the City’s Department of Equal
Opportunity/Equity Assurance
·         Rae Ann Baker, homemaker and former school counselor
·         Becky Heron, Durham County Commissioner
·         Sarah Woodard, program coordinator with Duke Health Systems
·         Dr. Nora Olivieri-Herrera, professor with Durham Technical
Community College


Thursday, February 9, 2006
7 p.m.

Student Success Program with a Panel of Experts
Community Family Life and Recreation Center at Lyon Park,
1313 Halley Street, Durham


Thursday, February 16 – Sunday, February 19, 2006
Call (919) 683-1709 for times and titles.

Black Diaspora Film Festival
Theme: Politically Speaking
Hayti Heritage Center, 804 Old Fayetteville Street, Durham


Thursday, February 23, 2006
7:30 p.m.

Vigil Against Violence
Location to be announced.


Saturday, February 25, 2006
8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Spanish Language Conference
Millennium Hotel, 2800 Campus Walk, Durham


Date TBD

Family Day
Parents are encouraged to spend quality time with their children.

 
Programs are funded in part by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development.  For more information, contact the Human Relations Department
at 919-560-4107 or visit the City’s website at
http://www.durhamnc.gov/departments/relations/.