Human Rights Commission to Host Poster and Flag Exhibit at Monongalia Arts Center

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – In recognition and celebration of International Human Rights Day, the Morgantown Human Rights Commission will present a poster and flag exhibit at the Monongalia Arts Center (MAC) from Dec. 8 to Dec. 30.

The exhibit will feature approximately 60 posters as well as flags recognizing indigenous people historically related to the Morgantown area. The exhibit represents a variety of viewpoints and is a visual recognition of the people and organizations who have dedicated themselves to promoting the spirit of diversity and human rights.

The posters focus on the concepts of diversity, equality, inclusion, humanity, hope, justice, dignity, freedom, peace, education, prosperity, and safety. The flags on display recognize the Shawnee and Lenape (Delaware) tribes and the Seneca Nation of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy. Other flags and banners spotlight current events and issues such as Black Lives Matter, Progress Pride for LGBT, Women’s Suffrage Centennial, and Climate Justice. Contact the MAC for information on their hours of operation at info@monartscenter.com or 304-292-3325.

Each year, International Human Rights Day observances take place in coordination with the United Nations observance on or around Dec. 10. In Morgantown, Human Rights Day is also recognized by annual Human Rights Awards that recognize one person and one organization who have made contributions toward helping to make Morgantown a more inclusive community and to protect the human rights of all. 

The 2020 awards sponsored by the Morgantown Human Rights Commission will be presented to Mavis Grant-Lilley and The First Presbyterian Church at the Morgantown City Council meeting on Dec. 15. A recognition event for the awardees, which will be live streamed on the Morgantown Human Rights Facebook page, will take place in front of the MAC on Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. Danielle Walker from the West Virginia House of Delegates will be the keynote speaker, and the award recipients will be recognized and will speak briefly about their experience.

The purpose of the Human Rights Commission is to provide leadership for addressing community interaction and fairness concerns. It works to ensure that the city is not only providing services but maintaining ways in which a community can live together inclusively, functionally, and justly despite differences, complexities, and conflicts. The Commission focuses on stewardship and service, but also on the quality of community life and the protection of the community from preventable unfair damage to the lives of individual citizens and families.

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