Traverse City Human Rights Commission

10/17/2021

We had an amazing evening celebrating our Sara Hardy Award Winners. A special thank you to Gary Howe for capturing the evening's moments with the photos below.

We are so grateful to have such kind, outstanding and generous individuals in our community! Your dedication to better the lives of so many is inspiring to us all. Thank you for all that you do!

10/02/2021

The City of Traverse City’s Human Rights Commission will present the Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award on Monday, October 4, 2021. The celebration will take place at the Governmental Center, 400 Boardman Avenue, at 5:30 pm. in the Lower Level Cafeteria, with the award presentation at 7 pm. in the Commission Chambers.
This year’s recipients of the 26th year award are Ryan Hannon, Outreach Coordinator at Goodwill Industries, and Bill and Michelle White, creators of the nonprofit "5 Loaves, 2 Fish".

Hannon has a long history of working with the homeless population in Traverse City. He has helped establish the 86th District Court's Outreach program in 2007 and has long been an advocate for the homeless. Last year's Humanitarian Award winner, Tom Bousamra said, in nominating Hannon, "I have witnessed his passionate advocacy for those experiencing homelessness."

Both Bill and Michelle White spent many hours each week planning, preparing, and serving meals to those in the area experiencing food insecurity. While others also helped the Whites, the retired couple set the example of getting to know the recipients and making them feel welcome, according to several of the volunteers who nominated them.

“The Traverse City Human Rights Commission appreciates all of the nominations we received for several different nominees. Our local community is fortunate that many people are working on behalf of human rights,” said Susan Odgers, Traverse City Human Rights Commission Chairperson.

Last year’s recipient, Tom Bousamra, will also be recognized during the presentation. Bousamra is the President of Before, During, and After Incarceration (BDAI). He's served as a volunteer Catholic chaplain at the Grand Traverse County jail for the past thirty-four years. He's a current member of the Family Partnership of Grand Traverse, a Deacon at St. Francis Catholic Church, and past chair of the St. Francis Peace and Justice Commission. Bousamra has helped to prepare those incarcerated for re-entry into our community through Life Skills Classes, Coaching/Mentoring programs, and Family Support Dinners.

06/16/2021

2021 Sara Hardy Humanitarian Awards

The Traverse City Human Rights Commission has announced the recipients of the Sara Hardy Humanitarian awards this year.

Ryan Hannon, Outreach Coordinator at Goodwill Industries, and Bill and Michelle White, creators of the nonprofit "5 Loaves, 2 Fish," are this year's recipients of the 26-year-old award. Hannon was chosen for his long-time service in championing the area homelessness. The Whites are recognized for their work in this difficult year of food insecurity.

Hannon has a long history of working with the homeless population in Traverse City. He helped establish 86th District Court's Outreach program in 2007 and has long been an advocate for the homeless. Last year's Humanitarian award winner, Tom Bousamra said, in nominating Hannon, "I have witnessed his passionate advocacy for those experiencing homelessness."

Both Bill and Michelle White spent many hours each week planning, preparing and serving meals to those in the area experiencing food insecurity. While others also helped the Whites, the retired couple set the example of getting to know the recipients and making them feel welcome, according to several of the volunteers who nominated them.

“The Traverse City Human Rights Commission appreciates all of the nominations we received for several different nominees. Our local community is fortunate that many people are working on behalf of human rights,” said Susan Odgers, Chair of the Traverse City Human Rights Commission.

The award is given annually in honor of Sara Hardy, a longtime resident, who exemplified the philosophies and ideals of the Human Rights Commission to promote mutual understanding and respect among all people and to discourage discriminatory practices. This award recognizes Hardy’s contributions to the community by honoring an individual who exemplifies the Human Rights Commission’s ideals.

The recipients will be publicly recognized later this year when Traverse City governmental groups meet in person. To learn more about the Human Rights Commission visit https://www.traversecitymi.gov/humanrights.asp.

03/30/2021

Reclaiming Identity in Everyday Endeavors with the Mishigamiing Journalism Project: Eni-biidaajimotaagejig - “the ones who bring the news to the people”.

On April 10th at 2:00 Traverse City’s Human Rights Commission will host fellows of the Michigamiing Journalism Project for a presentation and discussion. Sierra Clark and Meghanlata Gupta will present their individual backgrounds and current work, the need for Indigenous-centered journalism, the establishment of the Mishigamiing Journalism Project, and future goals. Suzy Cook and Katy Bresette will be present to answer questions. This free program will be presented on Zoom -- pre-register with the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81921806057

More information on the Michigamiing Journalism Project can be found here: https://www.indigenizingthenews.com/aboutmjp

Mishigamiing Journalism Project A new Traverse City Record-Eagle partnership with Indigenizing the News will focus on improving Indigenous news representation in the state of Michigan. The partnership allows for four Indigenous women to report, consult, and train in the Record-Eagle newsroom for the...

03/13/2020

Please be advised that the Sara Hardy Celebration scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2020, has been canceled. We will communicate the new date once that has been identified. Thank you for your understanding.

02/10/2020

If you were able to attend our special presentation of Just Mercy last Wednesday, this will be familiar content with familiar names. However, if you were not able to attend, this article gives good insight into the need for jail reform.

TRAVERSE CITY — Tom Bousamra hears stories.

02/05/2020

If you purchased tickets ahead of time, please know that HRC volunteers will be present in the lobby to ensure that all tickets to our special event are identified and honored regardless of venue confusion.

There has been a second change in location for our special presentation of Just Mercy. The film will be at the original location, the STATE THEATRE. We apologize for any confusion...guess that’s Hollywood! 🤩

Date, time, and guest presenters remain unchanged. See you there!

02/04/2020

There has been a second change in location for our special presentation of Just Mercy. The film will be at the original location, the STATE THEATRE. We apologize for any confusion...guess that’s Hollywood! 🤩

Date, time, and guest presenters remain unchanged. See you there!

02/02/2020

There has been ANOTHER change in location for our special presentation of Just Mercy. Date, time, and guest presenters remain unchanged. See you there!