News and Events 2024

On Sunday, July 21, 2024, the Morris County Human Relations Commission (HRC) participated in the annual Diversity Coalition of Morris County’s Diversity Day Celebration:  Uniting the Community More in 2024!

The beautiful weather contributed to a perfect afternoon on the Morristown Green.  Coordinated by Community and Cultural Relations Committee Chair, Jasmine Lim, Commission members greeted attendees with several giveaways.  In addition to the information table, a special children’s craft table was set up.  Commission member Judith Favors summed it up, “The event was wonderful, great hospitality, and entertainment was spectacular with a diversity of talent for all to enjoy.  Over 36 Vendor tables with resource information for all to share and add to their contacts.  We had a youth art table for children to draw and color on Pre-Cut Hands and bodies.  The children enjoyed themselves.” 

All in all, it was a very successful day, and the HRC is already looking forward to 2025.

L-R Theresa Maughan and Jasmine Lim

(L-R) Clarence Curry, Jr., Dr. Edward Yaw, Judith Favors, Runnette Parker, and Kimberly Roker-Christopher. (Missing from the table, Wayne Cresta)

The children's craft table.

The Morris County Human Relations Commission held its Annual Dinner Meeting on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at Capisce Trattoria in Morris Plains.  The occasion celebrated the transition to our new 2024-25 fiscal year.  The program included the installation of officers and members for the 2024-25 fiscal year.  The following officers were elected to lead the Commission:  Chair, Rabbi Moshe Rudin; Vice Chair, Edward Yaw; Secretary, Sue Rosenthal; Treasurer, Susan J. Waldman; and Immediate Past Chair, Clarence Curry, Jr.

A plaque was presented to Clarence Curry, Jr. in recognition of his commitment, dedication and leadership of the Commission for two and one-half years.  Osman Davies, Fair Housing Committee Chair, who is leaving the Commission after many years of dedicated service, received a well-deserved Certificate of Appreciation.

After meeting solely by Zoom this past year, it was a pleasure to share the evening in person.

(L-R) Meyer Rosenthal, Clarence Curry, Jr.

(L-R) Meyer Rosenthal, Osman Davies, Clarence Curry, Jr.

(L-R) Back Row, Patrick LaGuerre, Osman Davies, Steve Neblett

Second Row, Shalini Mehrotra, Monishe Khadse, Tina Liu Jen, Meyer Rosenthal, Wayne Cresta, Judith C. Favors

 First Row, Susan J. Waldman, Sue Rosenthal, Clarence Curry, Jr., Rabbi Moshe Rudin, Edward Yaw

(L-R) Susan J. Waldman, Meyer Rosenthal, Sue Rosenthal, Rabbi Moshe Rudin, Clarence Curry, Jr.

On Saturday, June 15, 2024, the Morris County Human Relations Commission was one of over fifteen co-sponsors of the Community Movie Night at CCM, commemorating the anniversary of Juneteenth.¹ The event was produced by Clifford D. Dawkins, Esq., Dean & Director of Rutgers University Law Minority Student Program (MSP).

The event began with the introduction of each co-sponsor who then spoke briefly about their organization.  This was followed by the documentary, “How to Sue the Klan: The Legacy of the Chattanooga Five.”  The film documents the story of how five Black women from Chattanooga used legal ingenuity to take on the Ku Klux Klan in a historic 1982 civil case, fighting to hold them accountable for their crimes and bring justice to their community. Their victory set a legal precedent that continues to inspire the ongoing fight against organized hate, https://www.thecivilcase.com/.

A talk-back panel discussion followed the screening with Moderator, Cliff Dawkins; Professor Randolph McLaughlin, professor of law at Pace Law School and lead attorney on the case in the film; Professor Betty Lewis Laurence, adjunct professor at Pace Law School and attorney on the case in the film; and Donita Judge, Esq., current Associate Executive Director at the Center for Constitutional Rights ("CCR"), the legal advocacy organization behind the case in the film.  

Susan J. Waldman, Treasurer, Morris County Human Relations Commission, represented the Commission at the event.  Susan commented, “I cannot begin to express how inspirational and moving the film and panel discussion were.  Hearing about it from the actual legal team was beyond anyone’s expectations.  I recommend that everyone see this film.”

Susan J. Waldman, introducing the Morris County Human Relations Commission. Standing at right is Clifford D. Dawkins.

Juneteenth has been celebrated as a national holiday since 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. “Juneteenth commemorates General Order No. 3 which was issued by Major General Gordon Granger, who arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. The issuing of this order and the arrival of Federal troops in Galveston effectively ended the Civil War and emancipated those confined to a life of slavery. Specifically, Granger made the following declaration in General Order No. 3:

‘The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor.’”  

 American Battlefield Trust

February 10, 2024, marks the start of the Chinese New Year.  On Sunday, February 4, 2024, members of the Morris County Human Relations Commission (HRC) attended the Northern New Jersey Chinese Association School’s New Year’s Program at Montville High School.  We were greeted enthusiastically and treated as VIPs -- front row seats and all.  The students entertained us with song, dance, and a Karate demonstration.  This joyous program was followed by refreshments and the opportunity to socialize.  A special thank you to HRC member, Tina Liu Jen, who invited us to share this celebration.  A wonderful way for all of us to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Photos: 

Top L to R Mayor of Montville Matthew Kayne Sue Rosenthal Tina Liu Jen Meyer Rosenthal Susan J Waldman Northern New Jersey Chinese Association School Principal Stephen Lo

Top L to R Sue Rosenthal, Susan J Waldman, Tina Liu Jen, Meggy Wang,  Deputy Director of the Cultural Center of Taipei Economic & Cultural Center in NY, Meyer Rosenthal

Middle Photo:  The Lion Dance

Lower Photo:  The Stage

On January 26, 2024, the Morris County Human Relations Commission actively participated in the 2024 Project Homeless Connect event at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Morristown, NJ.  The Commission’s aim was to support and uplift the community, demonstrating our commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in Morris County.

The event provided a valuable opportunity for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness to access a wide range of services and support. The resources offered, such as health screenings, giveaways, haircuts, public assistance, mental health services, veterans services, employment services, and food, made a significant impact on the attendees.

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.

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

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

Bill Schievella

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