Rex D. Friend

"Lawyers refer human and civil rights cases to Rex. I have seen him in the trenches, community activities for 30 years. Pro-bono work for the poor is his stock-in-trade."
--Wilfredo SantosRivera

Rex Friend is active in Oklahoma's interfaith community, he defends the rights of immigrants, and he speaks for the rights of prisoners and others. He will be honored as one of the 2016 winners of the Oklahoma Human Rights Award.

After growing up on a cattle ranch in rural northwest Oklahoma, Rex Friend attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University, where he received his B.A. in Sociology in 1975. He then began at the University of Oklahoma, which he received his M.A. in Sociology in 1980. After working as a social worker at Children’s Hospital for several years, Rex entered law school. He received his J.D. in 1983 from OU.

Seeing clients from various religious and several nations is standard practice for Rex, as he practices Immigration Law in Oklahoma City. He has also represented many stigmatized populations: gays and lesbians, prisoners, the disabled, and persons with AIDS.

Mr. Friend served six years on the Executive Committee of the Central Region of the American Friends Service Committee (a Quaker organization devoted to service, development, and peace programs throughout the world). He serves on the board of the Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, the Peace House, the Oklahoma Conference of Churches, and several non-profits that further his values of improving life for our marginalized brothers and sisters.

Rex’s profession and lifestyle represent his Quaker values, including that all people are of great worth and deserving of equal treatment.

To the greatest extent possible, Rex approaches issues from a preventive, problem solving perspective, focused on root causes. He relies on the power of dialogue and respect to build bridges with potential “opponents.” This commitment to non-adversarial relationships reflects the Quaker beliefs of non-violence and respecting and maintaining the dignity of all people.

When asked about the pivotal influences that resulted in the nature of his practice being one of service, Rex states, “As a boy growing up in a rural, sparsely populated, northwest, Freedom, Oklahoma, my family, my community, and church impressed upon me that whatever talents I might have, I should develop and use for the common good.”

You're invited to attend the presentation of the 2016 Human Rights Awards on Saturday, December 10th, in the House Chamber of the Oklahoma State Capitol. The program will begin at 10am. It will be emcee'd by former State Representative Seneca Scott. There is no charge to attend. Following the awards program, you are invited to enjoy a Free Speech Forum in the Senate Assembly Room from 12 Noon to 2pm.

Every year, the Oklahoma Human Rights Awards are co-sponsored by the Oklahoma City chapter of the United Nations Association and the Oklahoma Universal Human Rights Alliance.

Previous winners of the award include educators, physicians, students, and community volunteers from many different communities and all walks of life. They are united by their enduring commitment to the values and principles expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

For more information about the awards program, please contact Wilfredo Santosrivera, 405-631-3027.

Father Tim Luschen

“He is most known for his work… to educate
and empower Spanish speakers about
their rights in this state.” 

Nominated by Sundra Flansburg

A leader in civic engagement, Father Timothy Luschen is one of the 2016 winners of the Oklahoma Human Rights Award.

Father Luschen, currently pastor at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, made the decision to apply and attend seminary when he was in his third year of college at the University of Central Oklahoma. He was ordained in 1988, and since that time he has served at a number of Catholic parishes in Oklahoma. From early in his ministry he has played a leadership role in the Archdiocese in Hispanic ministry, and he is very dedicated to pastoral care in his parish.

Father Luschen was one of the central figures in Oklahoma City in founding VOICE – Voices Organized in Civic Engagement – and continues to play a leadership role as an officer on the Board of the VOICE Education Fund. He is also a talented artist in the little spare time that he has.

Sundra Flansburg writes:

I believe Father Luschen well deserves an honor like the Human Rights Award. He works tirelessly in Oklahoma City and in the state to live his values. He works compassionately and consistently to better involve and work with populations who face multiple barriers to inclusion.

He is most known for his work with Spanish-speaking people – and was one of the VOICE leaders who was most dedicated in efforts to stop the local abuses of Hispanics, and work to educate and empower Spanish speakers about their rights in this state. I worked with him closely following the 2013 tornadoes when we were collecting funds to help undocumented families. He arranged for two nuns who were familiar with Moore to help us do outreach and get to families. He continues to serve as a critical member of our Standing on the Side of Love education scholarships for undocumented Oklahoma students. 

I have the highest regard for his value and his work, and appreciate the leadership he shows every day in calling all of us to our higher selves. 

You're invited to attend the presentation of the 2016 Human Rights Awards on Saturday, December 10th, in the House Chamber of the Oklahoma State Capitol. The program will begin at 10am. It will be emcee'd by former State Representative Seneca Scott. There is no charge to attend. Following the awards program, you are invited to enjoy a Free Speech Forum in the Senate Assembly Room from 12 Noon to 2pm.

Every year, the Oklahoma Human Rights Awards are co-sponsored by the Oklahoma City chapter of the United Nations Association and the Oklahoma Universal Human Rights Alliance.

Previous winners of the award include educators, physicians, students, and community volunteers from many different communities and all walks of life. They are united by their enduring commitment to the values and principles expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

For more information about the awards program, please contact Wilfredo Santosrivera, 405-631-3027.

Miguel Baez

Miguel Baez is a Corporal in the Oklahoma City Fire Department. 

A strong advocate for helping others in need….
With great capacity for collaboration….
He instills courage and hope in every individual he meets. 

Nominated by Otilia Fuentes 

Miguel Baez is a human rights hero. On December 10th, he will receive the Oklahoma Human Rights Award -- along with other champions of human rights in our state.

Miguel was born and raised in Tampico, Mexico. He received his Bachelor degree in International Business from the Universidad de Tamaulipas (University of Tamaulipas) in 2002.

Miguel was selected by OKC.biz for
its "40 Under 40" Class of 2016

Baez’s career has provided him leadership opportunities in various industries, including engineering, architectural, and restaurant. A strong advocate for helping others in need, Baez became focused on finding a career path that would allow him to serve the people of Oklahoma and honor his Hispanic heritage. By becoming an OKC Firefighter, Baez meets the needs of our citizens each and every day.

Being both bilingual and a native of Mexico, Baez is a unique asset to the OKC Fire Department in his ability to directly relate to the Hispanic population’s cultural beliefs. He shares his story of achievement with elementary schools, civic groups, and non-profit organizations.

Miguel instills courage and hope in every individual he meets with his story. He says: “Believing in yourself is the number one way to success, and only you can pave your future. It’s an honor to serve those in need and a blessing to be a positive influence on others.”

From his nomination:

It is with great pleasure to nominate Mr. Miguel Baez for the Human Rights Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and tireless efforts to serve the Hispanic Community and the whole City of Oklahoma City. Mr. Baez is an amazing person who works continuously to help those in need, especially the children in our community through his occupation as a corporal with the Oklahoma City Fire Department. Miguel has strong leadership and initiative-taking skills while, at the same time, he shows great capacity to learn in order to do a better job while doing his volunteerism in the community and even teaching. He is articulate in both English and Spanish, and he is an effective communicator who demonstrates an unusual ability to make connections with people from all ethnic groups, regardless of age or level of cognitive development. 

Miguel has my highest recommendation. 

You're invited to attend the presentation of the 2016 Human Rights Awards on Saturday, December 10th, in the House Chamber of the Oklahoma State Capitol. The program will begin at 10am. It will be emcee'd by former State Representative Seneca Scott. There is no charge to attend. Following the awards program, you are invited to enjoy a Free Speech Forum in the Senate Assembly Room from 12 Noon to 2pm.

Every year, the Oklahoma Human Rights Awards are co-sponsored by the Oklahoma City chapter of the United Nations Association and the Oklahoma Universal Human Rights Alliance.

Previous winners of the award include educators, physicians, students, and community volunteers from many different communities and all walks of life. They are united by their enduring commitment to the values and principles expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

For more information about the awards program, please contact Wilfredo Santosrivera, 405-631-3027.

Robert M. Goldman

Photo Credit: News9.com 

“Everyone has the right to a standard of living
adequate for the health and well-being of himself
and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care….”
--Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(Article 25) 

Robert Goldman has worked with the Red Andrews Christmas Dinner for approximately 34 years. As the chairman of the Red Andrews Christmas Dinner Foundation, Goldman has contributed to supporting the basic rights of thousands of distressed Oklahomans. Because of his leadership and his personal generosity, he is being recognized as a winner of the Oklahoma Human Rights Award.

The Red Andrews Dinner is an Oklahoma City Christmas Day tradition dating to 1947.  The dinner provides warm meals and toys to thousands of citizens each year.
(NewsOK.com … http://newsok.com/article/5461889)

Approximately 4 years ago, the traditional dinner was in financial trouble. The event was going to be disbanded. Robert Goldman stepped in with other people to keep it going. They created the Red Andrews Christmas Dinner Foundation. For the last 4 years he has been the chairman for this foundation. In conjunction with the dinner and the toy drive, the Foundation collects winter coats for attendees in need at the dinner.

The Red Andrews Christmas Dinner
feeds thousands of people every year.
Photo Credit: NewsOK.com

In conjunction with a grant received by the Apartment Association of Central Oklahoma, many boxes of books were purchased from the Friends of the Library sale. These cases of books were donated to approximately 7 Oklahoma City elementary schools, Dove Academy, and the Boys & Girls Club of Oklahoma City.

Mr. Goldman purchased school supplies in August for Martin Luther King Elementary School.

In 2016, he received the Oklahoma Bar Association’s Community Service Award.

Robert participate in Leah’s Basket gift drive through the Apartment Association of Central Oklahoma. Leah’s Basket creates gift baskets full of fun things for the children at OU Children’s hospital.

You're invited to attend the presentation of the 2016 Human Rights Awards on Saturday, December 10th, in the House Chamber of the Oklahoma State Capitol. The program will begin at 10am. It will be emcee'd by former State Representative Seneca Scott. There is no charge to attend. Following the awards program, you are invited to enjoy a Free Speech Forum in the Senate Assembly Room from 12 Noon to 2pm.

Every year, the Oklahoma Human Rights Awards are co-sponsored by the Oklahoma City chapter of the United Nations Association and the Oklahoma Universal Human Rights Alliance.

Previous winners of the award include educators, physicians, students, and community volunteers from many different communities and all walks of life. They are united by their enduring commitment to the values and principles expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

For more information about the awards program, please contact Wilfredo Santosrivera, 405-631-3027.

“Motherhood and childhood are entitled to
special care and assistance. All children,
whether born in or out of wedlock,
shall enjoy the same social protection.….”

--Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(Article 25)

The Multicultural Education Institute

Regina Lopez, instructor, and April Haulman, Ph.D., professor, help to manage
and plan the Multicultural Education Institute, which is sponsored each
year by the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at UCO. 

The work of MEI is important in today's world where we face challenges such as racism, bigotry, prejudice, hate crimes, etc.

For more than 30 years, the Multicultural Education Institute at the University of Central Oklahoma has united educators in the Oklahoma City metro area to share the latest strategies and practices that help improve educating our increasingly diverse communities. We are proud to recognize the Institute as one of the 2016 winners of the Oklahoma Human Rights award.

MEI is committed to the recognition of excellence in multicultural education. Each year the Multicultural Awards Committee selects a recipient for the Teacher of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Paraprofessional of the Year Awards as well as teacher incentive grant award winners. MEI also offers professional development in multicultural and multilingual education to educators from across the state of Oklahoma.

The MEI brings together current and future teachers, paraprofessionals, bilingual professionals and community members from the Oklahoma City metro area who work in education to discuss practices and strategies aimed at helping improve educating the increasingly diverse population. (Source: “32nd Annual Multicultural Education Institute,” The Vista - February 23, 2015)

“Teachers often receive the blame for underachieving schools that they do not deserve,” said April Haulman, Ph.D., of the English as a second language master’s program. “We wanted to honor the role they play in creating a better society and focus on that.”

The MEI conference is sponsored each year by the College of Education and Professional Studies at the UCO. For many years, MEI has been directed by Dr. Regina Lopez and Professor April Haulman.

You're invited to attend the presentation of the 2016 Human Rights Awards on Saturday, December 10th, in the House Chamber of the Oklahoma State Capitol. The program will begin at 10am. It will be emcee'd by former State Representative Seneca Scott. There is no charge to attend. Following the awards program, you are invited to enjoy a Free Speech Forum in the Senate Assembly Room from 12 Noon to 2pm.

Every year, the Oklahoma Human Rights Awards are co-sponsored by the Oklahoma City chapter of the United Nations Association and the Oklahoma Universal Human Rights Alliance.

Previous winners of the award include educators, physicians, students, and community volunteers from many different communities and all walks of life. They are united by their enduring commitment to the values and principles expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

For more information about the awards program, please contact Wilfredo Santosrivera, 405-631-3027.

Dr. Lindsey Churchill

"Human Rights are for everyone --
no matter who you are or whom
you love."
-- The United Nations Free & Equal campaign

The University of Central Oklahoma boasts two new programs designed to supplement gender and sexuality studies on campus. Known collectively as“The Center,” the programs were designed and launched under the leadership of Dr. Lindsey Churchill. She will be recognized on December 10th at the Oklahoma State Capitol -- along with other winners of the 2016 Oklahoma Human Rights award.

Free & Equal is a United Nations
campaign for lesbian, gay, bisexual,
and transgender equality

Dr. Churchill arrived at the University of Central Oklahoma in 2012. Since her arrival she has worked for change for women and the LGBTQ+ community. In 2015 she helped found the Center which includes the Women's Research Center and BGLTQ+ Student Center at UCO. Dr. Churchill currently directs the Center.

The Center has two arms that work independently and/or collaboratively, to engage and advance women and the BGLTQ+ community at the University of Central Oklahoma, the greater Oklahoma City metropolitan region. In 2015 she also created the Gender and Sexuality Studies minor at UCO.

Dr. Churchill directs over 25 students who work on research projects about gender, sexuality, and the community. Some of these projects include a transgender clothing exchange and a documentary about the history of lesbian/feminist activists in OK. Dr. Churchill also helped to secure the donation of over 4000  (many very rare) books about gender and sexuality for UCO. This was the largest book donation in UCO history. Thanks to this donation the Center will have its own library that will be open to the community in 2017.

On September 26-28th of 2016 Dr. Churchill organized the Inaugural International Gender and Sexuality Studies Conference. This conference featured nearly 100 presenters from 7 different countries and 30 universities.

You're invited to attend the presentation of the 2016 Human Rights Awards on Saturday, December 10th, in the House Chamber of the Oklahoma State Capitol. The program will begin at 10am. It will be emcee'd by former State Representative Seneca Scott. There is no charge to attend. Following the awards program, you are invited to enjoy a Free Speech Forum in the Senate Assembly Room from 12 Noon to 2pm.

Every year, the Oklahoma Human Rights Awards are co-sponsored by the Oklahoma City chapter of the United Nations Association and the Oklahoma Universal Human Rights Alliance.

Previous winners of the award include educators, physicians, students, and community volunteers from many different communities and all walks of life. They are united by their enduring commitment to the values and principles expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

For more information about the awards program, please contact Wilfredo Santosrivera, 405-631-3027.

2016 Human Rights Winners Announced

We recognize some of the many human rights heroes who live among us.

There is plenty of evidence that human rights are under attack where we live. All you have to do is turn on the television news. Fear, bigotry, and hatred are a volatile mixture. We worry about the future of our nation.

Yet, there is other evidence to examine -- hopeful signs that human rights are alive and well. Right here in Oklahoma, we see that the dignity of the individual person is being honored. Religious freedom is being protected. The rights of all people are being defended. We are building communities where every man, woman, and child may find equal justice, equal opportunity, and equal dignity without discrimination.

Where is our evidence?

We find it in the people of our great state. In every corner of Oklahoma -- in places close to home, in the world of the individual person -- we recognize the human rights heroes who live among us. They are the champions of human rights where we live.

They defend the weak. They teach justice. They inspire us by their example to recognize our own rights and to uphold the rights of others.

These are our Oklahoma Human Rights Award Winners for 2016:

Miguel Baez

Oklahoma City

Sara Zaynab Bana

Midwest City

David Brinker, MD

Oklahoma City

Dr. Lindsey Churchill

Edmond

Priya Desai, MSW 

Oklahoma City

The Dialogue Institute of Oklahoma

OKC & Tulsa

Moises Echeverria 

Tulsa

Rex D. Friend

Oklahoma City

Robert M. Goldman

Oklahoma City

Tom Guild

Edmond, OK

Dr. Nyla Ali Khan

Norman

Father Tim Luschen

Oklahoma City

Roberto Mendoza

Oklahoma City

Multicultural Education Institute

Edmond

OKC Artists for Justice 

Oklahoma City

Allen Parleir & Elia Woods

Oklahoma City

Sache Primeaux-Shaw

Oklahoma City

Garland Pruitt

Choctaw, OK

Andrew Sartain, Earth Rebirth 

Norman

Seneca Scott

Tulsa

Marjan Seirafi-Pour 

Norman

Catalina Serrano

Oklahoma City

Mana Tahaie 

Tulsa

Angelica Villalobos Solis

Oklahoma City

The Gordon and Pauline Wahpepah Family

Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma

John T. Walters

Oklahoma City

Richard Ray Whitman

Oklahoma City

You're invited to attend the presentation of the 2016 Human Rights Awards on Saturday, December 10th, in the House Chamber of the Oklahoma State Capitol. The program will begin at 10am. It will be emcee'd by former State Representative Seneca Scott. There is no charge to attend. Following the awards program, you are invited to enjoy a Free Speech Forum in the Senate Assembly Room from 12 Noon to 2pm.

Every year, the Oklahoma Human Rights Awards are co-sponsored by the Oklahoma City chapter of the United Nations Association and the Oklahoma Universal Human Rights Alliance.

Previous winners of the award include educators, physicians, students, and community volunteers from many different communities and all walks of life. They are united by their enduring commitment to the values and principles expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

For more information about the awards program, please contact Wilfredo Santosrivera, 405-631-3027.