Golden Valley Human Rights Commission Announces Bill Hobbs And MLK Human Rights Contest Award Winners

Press release from the City of Golden Valley:

December 10, 2020

The Golden Valley Human Rights Commission has announced the winners for its 2020 Bill Hobbs Human Rights Award and the 2020 Martin Luther King Human Rights Contest.

Bill Hobbs Human Rights Award

Helene Johnson

Each year the Human Rights Commission reviews nominations for the Bill Hobbs Human Rights Award, which recognizes groups or individuals in the Golden Valley community who work to build an environment that promotes fair and equal treatment for everyone. The 2020 award recipients are Helene Johnson and Peter Knaeble.

Johnson began her volunteer work in Golden Valley in 2004 and has demonstrated her commitment to the community through various initiatives, including Envision Golden Valley, Bridge Builders, the Golden Valley Community Foundation, and the creation of Global Golden Valley in 2012. Global Golden Valley works to connect and appreciate individuals across cultural backgrounds and promotes understanding and celebration of differences.

Peter Knaeble

“As an active member of Envision Golden Valley, the GV Community Foundation and Global Golden Valley, Johnson has helped form and run groups that enhance the quality of life in our community and make it more welcoming,” said her nominator.

Knaeble’s work promoting fair and equal treatment for everyone has primarily revolved around the Golden Valley Pride Festival—the first suburban pride festival in the metro area. As the event’s founder and chair, Knaeble has used the event to lift awareness for and warmly embrace LGBTQ residents, friends, and allies.

“Mr. Knaeble’s leadership has shone a positive light on Golden Valley as a welcoming and inclusive community,” said his nominator.

Learn more on the Bill Hobbs Human Rights Award web page.

Martin Luther King Human Rights Contest

This year’s Martin Luther King Human Rights Contest asked students to creatively respond to the question “What does it mean to be a good ally in the world today?”

Amaya Young, a 9th grader at Armstrong High School, claimed first prize. Her essay challenged the idea of “why should someone be a good ally” by candidly explaining “how someone can be a good ally?” Read her essay here.

Aya Ouazizi, a 10th grader at Armstrong High School, took home second prize. For her submission she wrote a poem describing what it means to be a good ally. Read her entry here.

For more information on the Martin Luther King Human Rights Contest, visit the City website. Winners of both awards will be recognized by the Golden Valley City Council at its Dec 15 meeting.

This press release was produced by the City of Golden Valley. The views expressed here are the author’s own.