HOLLAND — In a presentation held at City Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 18, the Holland Human Relations Commission presented the 2022 Social Justice Awards.
The annual award ceremony recognizes local individuals and organizations who represent the virtues of social justice by offering equal opportunity and equal access for the residents of Holland.
The awards are always presented the week of Martin Luther King Day as a way to recognize Dr. King’s work for social justice.
More:Commission recognizes social justice efforts in Holland community with annual awards
“As the Human Relations Commission, we want to celebrate the work of individuals and organizations that address inequity in our community,” said Michelle Slikkers, chair of the HRC. “Our goal (isn’t) just to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in our community; but be an active collaborator with our partners in creating a community where all belong.”
Categories included the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Youth Social Justice Award and awards in education, housing, government and community relations, and health services.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Ann Weller, who helped fund the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony and supports Out On The Lakeshore, LAUP, I Am Academy and other local organizations.
Weller grew up in the south during segregation. Even as a child, she knew that wasn’t the way to live.
“Throughout my life, before I moved here and since I moved here, if there are issues of peace and justice, if there are issues of gender equality, if there are issues of who can belong and who can’t belong, I will never be a bystander,” she said.
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The Youth Social Justice Award was given to Greta Traver for her work founding a bilingual tutoring program at Herrick District Library. She also stood up to fellow boat race competitors for using racist and homophobic language during a sporting event. Her actions ultimately led to new policy.
Other awardees included I Am Academy for education, Heights of Hope for housing, the Ottawa County Office of Public Defender for government and community relations, and Miles of Smiles for health services.
For more information about the Social Justice Awards, including past recipients, visit socialjusticeawards.cityofholland.com.
— Contact freelancer Austin Metz at ametz@gannett.com.
