Newton residents have until Friday, Oct. 30 to nominate someone for the city's annual Human Rights Award, according to an announcement on OurNewton.org.

The Newton Human Rights Commission is seeking nominees who have improved life in Newton by promoting understanding across race, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or ancestry. The award also recognizes people who have worked to reduce discrimination in housing, employment or education.

Nominations go through an online form on the commission's website.

The commission, established in 1973, lists past award recipients back to 1985, when Irene Egan and Eloise Houghton were honored. Newton Health & Human Services, the commission's parent department, says the commission works to promote acceptance of diversity and combat discrimination across the city.

The 2025 award went to four organizations: the Arabic Baptist Church Food Pantry, Centre Street Food Pantry, Newton Food Pantry and Newton Neighbors. Newton Neighbors also received a commendation from Mayor Ruthanne Fuller on March 27, 2025, along with recognition from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts presented by state Reps. Greg Schwartz and Amy Sangiolo on Dec. 9, 2025.

In 2024, the commission honored Karen Peirce and Mark Kelly, along with student honorees Ava Qiu, Helen Liu, Remaz Kaaber, Parker Ferguson and Malia Thompson-Leong, according to Fig City News. That ceremony was held at the War Memorial Auditorium in City Hall at 5:30 p.m., with light refreshments afterward.

The commission also recognizes Newton high school students each year for their advocacy on human rights issues.

Six volunteer commissioners serve on the body. Eliza Spaulding chairs the commission, joined by Jane Brown, Rakashi Chand, Cindy Greene, Tamika Olszewski and Synthia Wayne. Lt. Amanda Henrickson of the Newton Police Department serves on the advisory council. All commissioners and advisory council members are volunteers who live or work in Newton.

Residents with questions can reach the commission at 617-796-1420 or [email protected].

Upcoming

  • Friday, Oct. 30 — Nomination deadline for the 2026 Newton Human Rights Award
  • Wednesday, Nov. 4, 7 p.m. — Next Human Rights Commission meeting, open to the public on Zoom
  • Wednesday, Dec. 2 — 2026 Human Rights Awards Ceremony