SOUTH BRUNSWICK – The South Brunswick Human Relations Commission (HRC) has been recognized for its efforts in combating incidences of racism, bias and hate crimes locally and across the nation.
On July 23, South Brunswick Mayor Charlie Carley and Township Council Members adopted a resolution recognizing the group for its “Faith, Conversation and Coffee” events held at various houses of worship in the area. Locations over the past two years have included St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, the Islamic Society of Central Jersey, Congregation B’Nai Tikvah, Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple, NJ Buddhist Vihara Center, and St. Augustine of Canterbury Church.
“One of the strengths of our HRC Commission and our community is that we are very diverse. The Greater South Brunswick area has multiple churches, Hindu temples, a Buddhist temple, a mosque and a synagogue which many of the members of the HRC Commission are a part of. We had this connection so we felt hosting these events at various houses of worship would be a great way to provide residents and others an opportunity to learn, explore and interact with people of diverse backgrounds and gain some insight into various faiths,” HRC Commissioner Azra Baig said.
The HRC was formed in 1995, according to Municipal Clerk Barbara Nyitrai. Doug Hoffman was the mayor at the time and Pierre Hage-Boutros was a founding member. She said some of the other members included former Mayor Debra Johnson and current school board President Harry Delgado.
With the mission of acceptance, cooperation and community. group members currently take part in Community Unity Day, scholarship programs and public lectures to spread their message.
Additionally, Baig, Chairwoman/Commissioner Jodi Marcou, vice Chairwoman/Commissioner Charlane Conner, Secretary/Commissioner the Rev. Valerie Balling and Commissioner Richard Britton received a Joint Legislative Resolution from Senator Kip Bateman, Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker and Assemblyman Roy Freiman for their contributions to the HRC.
For more information, call 732-329-4000, ext. 7301 or email southbrunswickhrc@gmail.com.
Contact Jennifer Amato at jamato@newspapermediagroup.com.
