Human Relations Commission

On Sunday, August 3, 2025, the community gathered to remember and honor Raoul Wallenberg at Smith Field Park, Parsippany, the site of Edward M. Adams majestic sculpture, “Courage and Compassion.”  This year marks the 80^th anniversary of Wallenberg’s disappearance in 1945.  The Swedish diplomat is credited with saving tens of thousands of Jews from certain death during World War II.

The program featured a welcome from Meyer L. Rosenthal, Chair, Adath Shalom Holocaust Education Committee, who was the coordinator of the event; an Invocation by Deacon Len Deo, St. Ann’s RC Church; Greetings from Inger Hanright, VASA Order of America, NJ District 6, Chris Williams, representing Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, John Krickus, Morris County Commissioner, and Aviva Neumann, Head of Culture & Public Affairs, Swedish Consulate of New York.  Commissioner Krickus presented a Resolution of Honor from the Morris County Board of Commissioner, praising Wallenberg and condemning antisemitism. 

Sculptor, Edward M. Adams, spoke about Raoul Wallenberg’s “Courage and Compassion” and how that is needed in this country, now more than ever.  He described the meaning of the bronze sculpture and noted that it weighs three-quarters of a ton.  Meyer Rosenthal then commented that it gets more beautiful each year. 

Rabbi Moshe Rudin, Adath Shalom and Chair of the Morris County Human Relations Commission, introduced three of the four winners of this year’s Raoul Wallenberg Scholarship Award, all students from Parsippany high schools – Gabriella Albano, Emma Gonzalez, and Christopher Jackson.  Each student spoke about how they were inspired by Raoul Wallenberg.  Following this presentation, Parsippany Mayor, James R. Barberio, gave his remarks and presented a Proclamation from the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, proclaiming “August 3, 2025, to be Raoul Wallenberg Day.”

There were musical tributes throughout the event by Cantor Avima Darnov, Adath Shalom, and Cantor Bruce Ruben, Temple Beth Am.  The program closed with a Benediction by Reverend Donald Bragg, Parsippany Presbyterian Church.

The following members of the Morris County Human Relations Commission attended the program – Rabbi Moshe Rudin, Dr. Edward Yaw, Meyer Rosenthal, Sue Rosenthal, Susan J. Waldman, Clarence Curry, Jr., and William Schievella.

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The 2025 Celebration of Diversity in Morris County was an overwhelming success.  Due to possible threatening weather conditions, the event was held inside the Morristown United Methodist Church, a very welcoming venue.  The Morris County Human Relations Commission (MCHRC) was one of twenty-nine participating organizations, which included Houses of Worship, Law Enforcement, Health and other Morris County Resources and much more.  There were activities for all ages and delicious food to be given away.  The constant stream of attendees came away with important knowledge of available resources in Morris County. 

The event began with an interfaith service which included a selection by the Interfaith Choir made up of singers from several congregations and organizations.  Inspiring speakers and a “Call to Action” by Dr. Ali Chaudry rounded out the service.

There was also a raffle drawing with many wonderful prizes.  Clearly, a good time was had by all.

Members of the MCHRC who volunteered:  Wayne Cresta, Clarence Curry, Theresa Maughan, Meyer Rosenthal, Sue Rosenthal, Rabbi Moshe Rudin, Susan J. Waldman, and Dr. Edward Yaw.

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The Morris County Human Relations Commission celebrated Juneteenth, 2025, at two separate events this year. 

First, HRC members attended the Randolph PEACE event on June 19, 2025, at the Randolph Township Community Center.  It was a beautiful program filled with music, dance, drumming and inspiring speeches.  Randolph Township Mayor, Joe Hathaway, read the official Randolph Juneteenth Resolution, and we were moved by keynote speaker, Rev. Charles Lattimore Howard, who spoke about HOPE.  As part of the program, Meredith Kurland-Ross, founder of Randolph PEACE, proudly displayed the award the organization had received the night before at the MCHRC Annual Dinner and Award Ceremony. 

At County College of Morris (CCM), on Saturday, June 21, 2025, the MCHRC celebrated Juneteenth, 2025, by attending the presentation of a new, award-winning documentary about how one young attorney's battle to overcome cancer reshaped her world.  The film was followed by a Q&A with Queen Stewart, Esq., the featured attorney in the film. 

The MCHRC was one of the co-sponsors of the event.  Before the film, each co-sponsor was called upon to speak a bit about their organization.  The opening presentation by an officer of CCM’s Black Student Union was beyond inspirational and set the tone for the evening.

The event was coordinated by Clifford D. Dawkins, Esq., the Assistant Dean & Director of the Minority Student Program (MSP) at Rutgers Law School.  The MSP is part of the Law School’s ongoing commitment to promote diversity, equity and inclusion within the Law School and in the legal community.  Many organizations were represented as co-sponsors, including the Morris County Human Relations Commission.  

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The Morris County Human Relations Commission held their Annual Meeting on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at the Famished Frog restaurant in Morristown. In keeping with tradition, Commissioners and Officers for 2025-26 were elected and installed.

The program included a look back at the past year by Chair Rabbi Moshe Rudin, with a presentation by immediate past chair, Clarence Curry, Jr., on the Commission’s involvement with the Morris County Continuum of Care, a plan to end homelessness, and a report by Dr. Edward Yaw on the Commission’s involvement with the Morris County Superintendent of Schools.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of Community Service Awards to the following organizations:

• The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office,
• The Diversity Coalition of Morris County, and
• Randolph PEACE.

Each organization received an engraved plaque which read, “In recognition of dedicated leadership in strengthening respect for human rights and cultural diversity in Morris County.”

In addition, Certificates of Appreciation were presented to the following people:

• Morris County Prosecutor’s Office: Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Samantha DeNegri, and Detective Sergeant Patrick LaGuerre.
• Diversity Council of Morris County: Dr. Beverly Tignor, CEO, and Franz Owens, Chief Technical Officer.
• Randolph PEACE: Meredith Ross, Amanda Adams, Hazel Ball, Chitra Bhat, Valencia Hutchinson, Josie Scanlan, Tessa Schultz and Tracy A. Snow.

It was especially enjoyable to meet in person, and we are all looking forward to continuing our work together.

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Commemorate, celebrate, contemplate and commit to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution by becoming a Revolutionary School! Join the New Jersey Department of Education in making social studies education come alive for New Jersey students through this once-in-a-generation opportunity to connect our past with our future.

Find out how to participate at this link: Revolutionary Schools Commemorative Program

The Morris County Human Relations Commission, a coalition of community leaders and representatives from service and advocacy organizations, was established to promote diversity, dialogue, communication, and appreciation for the many ethnic and cultural communities within Morris County. Embracing and understanding this rich tapestry of cultures strengthens and enhances the lives of our citizens and makes us a more resilient country.

Recently, many members of our immigrant communities, particularly Spanish-speaking residents, are experiencing significant anxiety and uncertainty due to the detention of residents by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during raid operations, including those taking place in schools, businesses, pharmacies, bus stops and other locales. This disruptive and dangerous practice contradicts the essence of our nation as a free society.

While we strongly support law enforcement and the legitimate pursuit of justice and crime prevention, we cannot allow our community to become a place of fear and dread. Such an atmosphere undermines trust in law enforcement and discourages residents from seeking service and assistance from emergency services, police, healthcare providers, schools, libraries, and houses of worship, for fear of detention and deportation.

The Human Relations Commission stands in solidarity with Morris County residents – our friends, neighbors, fellow parents, colleagues and congregants who simply wish to feel safe and to participate actively in our community as productive, law-abiding citizens. If there are legal issues to be addressed, they should be resolved in a legal and humane manner that abides by the United States Constitution and upholds the dignity of our residents while ensuring the overall safety and security of our community and the right of people to conduct their business freely.

We strongly call upon citizens to support and our legislators to pass the Immigrant Trust Act, which provides critical privacy protections that allow New Jerseyans to seek public services, stand up for their rights, and participate fully in their communities without fear of deportation. Furthermore, we call upon our leaders and fellow residents to ensure that Morris County continues to be the welcoming, inclusive community, one that allows every individual and group to thrive and contribute to the prosperity, harmony and cooperation that define our proud American heritage and society.

On Friday, January 31, 2025, Clarence Curry, Jr., Immediate Past Chair of the Morris County Human Relations Commission (MCHRC), and Commission member, Judith Favors, participated in the annual Project Homeless Connect at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 70 Maple Ave., Morristown.  The event was sponsored by the Morris County Mental Health Association in conjunction with the Morris County Department of Human Services.  Project Homeless Connect provides a wide range of services, resources, and support to help the homeless and those at risk of homelessness access essential care and opportunities for stability.  In addition to representing the MCHRC, Mr. Curry represented the Continuum of Care, and Ms. Favors represented Visions and Pathways.  Over 50 County Agencies and Service Providers participated.

(L-R) Clarence Curry, Jr., Judith Favors, and a Visions and Pathways co-worker.  

On Monday, January 20, 2025, several members of the Morris County Human Relations Commission attended the 55^th Commemoration of the Life and Legacy of the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Hyatt Regency in Morristown.  This was the 39^th Interfaith Breakfast honoring Dr. King. 

We all enjoyed the many talents of the beloved community including the Emcees Monty and Ila Tatum, video statements and in-person presentations by current and former MLK Scholarship winners, greetings and blessings by local clergy, a message from the Morris County Board of Commissioners, and inspiring musical interludes by Kamuela Nikki Tillman.  The Keynote Speaker, Reverend Doctor Sidney Williams, Senior Pastor, Bethel Church, Morristown, certainly did not disappoint with his stirring speech.  In closing we joined hands and sang “We Shall Overcome” bringing us together in hope for a better future.

Members in attendance:  Rabbi Moshe Rudin, Commission Chair; Clarence Curry, Jr., Immediate Past Chair; Sue Rosenthal, Secretary, Susan J. Waldman, Treasurer; Meyer Rosenthal, Chair Emeritus; Judith Favors; Maria P. Isaza; Theresa Maughan; Diana Mejia; and William Schievella.

Photo #1, L-R, Clarence Curry, Jr., Maria P. Isaza, Diana Mejia, Rabbi Moshe Rudin, Sue Rosenthal, Theresa Maughan, Meyer Rosenthal, Judith Favors, Susan J. Waldman.  Missing from photo:  William Schievella.

Photo #2, Reverend Doctor Sidney Williams

On Thursday, December 5, 2024, the NJ Department of Education (NJDOE) hosted a conference at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) to celebrate and explore the rich tapestry of cultural heritages and histories represented in New Jersey, while promoting unity and inclusion.

The conference included the NJDOE Commissions dedicated to African American History (The Amistad Commission), Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI), Holocaust and Genocide Education, Italian Heritage, Latino and Hispanic Heritage, and LGBTQIA+ Youth Equity and Inclusion, providing a unique opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of these diverse communities, their histories, and contributions.

Theresa Maughan, Chair of the Morris County Human Relations Commission Education Committee, was invited by Dr. Patrick Lamy of the NJ Amistad Commission, to join a discussion panel moderated by NJDOE Assistant Commissioner, Jorden Schiff about “Best Practices for Teaching the NJ Mandates, Promoting Unity and Combating Hatred, Bigotry, and Prejudice in the Classroom.” We presented effective strategies for integrating the various mandates into the existing curriculum, examples of classroom activities or projects that have been effective in combating hatred, bigotry, and prejudice, and advice for new teachers starting to incorporate these mandates into their teaching practices.

NJ Department of Education Assistant Commissioner, Jorden Schiff

Dr. Stephen Dickerson, Hoboken School District Social Studies Supervisor(L), Theresa Maughan (R)

The panel.

Conference Agenda

William Schievella Received Pioneer Award from Table of Hope on September 24, 2024, Table of Hope celebrated its Annual Gala, Gather for Hope, at The Hanover Manor in East Hanover, NJ. Table of Hope is an outreach arm of the Bethel Church of Morristown. The Gala supports their Community Soup Kitchen and Food Bank. As part of the evening’s festivities, William (Bill) Schievella, Chair of the Law Enforcement Committee of the Morris County Human Relations Commission (MCHRC), was awarded the Pioneer Award. Bill serves as a Board Member at Table of Hope.

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Photos (L-R)

1(L-R) Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon and Bill Schievella

2 (L-R) Bill Schievella and State Senator Anthony M. Bucco

3 Bill Schievella

4 (L-R) Susan J. Waldman, MCHRC Treasurer, and Bill Schievella

The Human Relations Commission of Morris County stands in solidarity with the Asian-American community against acts of hate, demonization, intimidation and other expressions of vile racism that have become widespread in the wake of the Covid pandemic.

Any expression of prejudice, discrimination, stereotyping, diminution and exclusion causes real harm to people and to our society as a whole. The Asian community in the United States has suffered systemic racism, stereotyping and marginalization for far too long.

We must maintain zero tolerance to hate in any form.

Acts and expressions of hatred and bigotry against any person or group on the basis of their identity is an atrocity and cannot be tolerated. Attacks against members of the Asian-American community must be utterly condemned and their perpetrators swiftly brought to justice. We call upon our entire community to combat hate through education, reinforcement of the core values of the American democracy and proactive concrete steps such as anti-bigotry programs in schools, community forums and houses of worship.

It is not enough to condemn acts of violence and bigotry. We must take concrete action to foster a just society that values, celebrates and welcomes each individual and group.