CTA's 2001 Human Rights Awards were presented at the Equity and Human Rights Conference in Santa Clara. Yolanda Martinez, a member of the Teachers Association of Paramount, won a CTA Member Human Rights Award. A counselor, she has been a strong advocate for equity and an outspoken voice against racism and sexism. She has helped her students become "self advocates" in their personal career goals through job training opportunities.
CTA President Wayne Johnson and Vice President Barbara E. Kerr present a CTA Human Rights Award to Jimmy Ellis.
Also winning a CTA Member Human Rights Award was Richard Responte, a member of the Vallejo Education Association. An active member of CTA's human rights training program cadre, he is a highly sought-after trainer who, according to his nominator, "embodies the principles of justice, fair play and cultural equity."
Marty G. Meeden, president of the Palmdale Elementary Teachers Association, won CTA's American Indian/Alaskan Native Human Rights Award for his outstanding leadership in promoting the concerns and issues of American Indians and Alaskan Natives. He has developed training and curriculum materials that preserve cultural heritage, traditions and values. In addition, he has served as director of the Friends of the Satwiwa Native American Cultural Center and as a docent for the Tomo Kahni State Park.
Also accepting awards are (first row left to right) Richard Responte, Marty G. Meeden, Diana Holly, David Hernandez; (second row) Rosenda Thomas, David Orphal, Marie Singh and Denise Rockwell-Woods. Yolanda Martinez was not able to attend the ceremony at CTA's Equity and Human Rights Conference.
Diana Holly, a member of the Redlands Teachers Association, won a CTA César Chávez Si Se Puede Human Rights Award for designing and implementing projects to inform CTA members about the meaning of human and civil rights and how they must be protected. She has worked to reduce violence and to educate others about the extremists who would threaten the human and civil rights of others. Holly has also organized a U.S. postage stamp project that will commemorate the life of Enrique Camerena, the U.S. drug enforcement officer who was murdered by drug traffickers.
A CTA César Chávez Si Se Puede Human Rights Award also went to David Hernandez, a member of the Alum Rock Educators Association. Hernandez is an at-large member of the CTA Board of Directors, and serves as chair of the NEA Hispanic Caucus and a CTA Human Rights Department cadre trainer. He has worked to create increased participation and opportunities for all ethnic minorities.
Jimmy Ellis, president of the Inglewood Teachers Association, won a CTA Lois Tinson Human Rights Award. He was recognized for his efforts to reach out to the predominantly African American and Latino communities in which the children of Inglewood reside. He works to facilitate dialogue between African American and Latino students, their parents and communities and has worked with the Department of Justice to formulate a plan for racial equity and healing.
Also winning a CTA Lois Tinson Human Rights Award was Rosenda Thomas, a member of the Oakland Education Association and chair of the Alcosta Service Center Council. She works tirelessly with community organizations in Oakland such as the Oakland Alliance of Black Educators, the Black Filmmakers Youth Program and the Mother Mary Ann Wright Foundation's program to clothe and feed the homeless. She also serves as vice chair of the CTA African American Caucus and is a member of the NEA Resolutions Committee. She was active in CTA's successful effort to defeat the voucher initiative.
David Orphal, a member of the Eureka Teachers Association, won the CTA Nancy Bailey Leadership in Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Award. He is the adult facilitator for Youth Educating Against Homophobia. With workshop titles such as Homophobia 101 and 201, he has educated teachers throughout the North Coast region about the myriad of issues that impact gay, lesbian, transgender and questioning youth. He has worked for the elimination of discrimination, harassment, and hate-motivated violence against all people.
Marie Singh, a member of the Monterey Bay Teachers Association, won the CTA Physically and Mentally Challenged Students' Issues Human Rights Award for her efforts to promote equal educational opportunities for disabled and physically challenged students through the development of educational materials and curriculum. A special day class teacher, she serves as an advocate on the student study team and often volunteers to help parents, teachers and others develop materials to help students learn.
Denise Rockwell-Woods, a member of the United Teachers of Los Angeles (UTLA), won the CTA Women's Issues Human Rights Award for her advocacy on behalf of the teaching profession. A member of the NEA Executive Committee, she has announced her candidacy for the position of NEA President. A role model and mentor for women across the country, she is committed to the advancement of women's issues and the teaching profession.
