The New Brunswick Human Rights Commission has recognized two recipients for their contribution to human rights in 2021.
Saint John’s PRUDE Inc. received the New Brunswick Human Rights Award while Bailey Desjardins received the Youth Human Rights Award.
PRUDE Inc. has promoted cultural diversity and inclusion and provided educational services and programs for Saint John’s cultural communities since 1981.
Board president Karen Hachey said the honour is extra special for the organization as they mark their 40th anniversary this year.
“Over the past 40 years, PRUDE has provided services and support for numerous communities in our region, starting in Saint John’s Black community, widening out to the broader community and eventually including immigrants and refugees,” Hachey said in a news release.
“In addition, our women’s leadership component has been beneficial in helping newcomer women get a firm start in Canada. And our education work in area schools and businesses helps longtime Saint Johners understand the value of the region’s growing diversity.”
Bailey Desjardins of Grand Manan received the 2021 Youth Human Rights Award at a ceremony on Sept. 15 in Fredericton. From left: Claire Roussel-Sullivan, chair of the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission; Paul Mazerolle, president of the University of New Brunswick; Desjardins; and John Valk, professor at Renaissance College. (Image: New Brunswick Human Rights Commission)
Desjardins, meanwhile, was recognized for her LGBTQIA2S+ advocacy in Grand Manan and creating a project connecting youths to mental health resources in the community.
“My overall goal during my time at Grand Manan Community School was to ensure that everybody had a safe space to express who they truly are,” said Desjardins in the release. “I wanted to educate students about discrimination and the fundamental rights and respect that everybody deserves, no matter what.”
The awards were presented on Wednesday, Sept. 15, to coincide with New Brunswick Human Rights Day.
