Spring 2015 | Letter from the Chairs

Dear Friends of the Human Rights Council,

Internationally, nationally, and locally, efforts continue to defend and expand Human Rights.

In March, The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, called for member nations to uphold the human rights principles underlying their communities in their fight against radicalism. “The world may be at a “turning point” as violent extremism and intolerance remain pervasive across the spectrum of global society.”

In March, the nation commemorated the 1965 march on Selma Alabama. This coming August 6th will be the 50th anniversary of Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act into law.

In March, the city of Boston welcomed the gay military veterans service group Outvets and gay rights group Boston Pride as participants in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Boston. These were the first LGBT groups to officially march in the parade.

In March, The Concord Carlisle Human Rights Council met with Marybeth Barker, founding member of the newly formed town of Concord Disability Committee. 25 years ago on July 26th, the Americans with Disabilities Act brought about tangible changes for those with disabilities. The Concord Carlisle Human Rights Council welcomes this new committee. This newly created organization is charged with highlighting the ongoing struggle for equal access and opportunity for people with disabilities, to participate in the mainstream of American life. We look forward to working with the Concord Disability Committee to assure all our residents and visitors have a chance to access public spaces and businesses in Concord. Concord should look to take a lead in these worthy endeavors as expanding human rights. As Louisa May Alcott extolled; Concord should “be marching abreast with the foremost, not degenerating into a museum of revolutionary relics.”

Ronni Olitsky & Rob Morrison

Concord-Carlisle Human Rights Council Co-Chairs