A Powerful Evening Close to Home
by Taylor P. Pentelovitch
I have had the privilege of attending The Advocates' Human Rights Awards Dinner for many years, and each year I leave reminded of the extraordinary reach and impact of this organization's work. The evening offers a powerful window into advocacy happening around the world, across the country, and in the lives of individuals and families seeking safety, dignity, and justice.
This year, what struck me most was how close to home so much of the evening felt.
The theme of the night, Shining a Light on Human Rights, carried through the program. It was a reminder that human rights work is not only happening far away. It is happening here, in our city, in our neighborhoods, and in the lives of our neighbors. Against the backdrop of Operation Metro Surge, that message felt especially urgent.
Looking around, I was struck by how many people there have their own story of The Advocates in their lives, whether as volunteers, supporters, attorneys, interpreters, staff, or community members.
That local connection was present from the of the evening, including in the silent auction, where pieces like Minnesota Strong reflected resilience, solidarity, and the power of community. It continued through the program as we heard about volunteers whose work has strengthened human rights advocacy in meaningful ways, including Rebecca Schiller's pro bono legal work on behalf of asylum seekers, Mohammed "Duke" Dukuly's decades of interpretation and translation support, and Francesca Ceravolo's advocacy on human rights issues around the world.
But the power of the evening was not only on the stage. It was also in the room. Looking around, I was struck by how many people there have their own story of The Advocates in their lives, whether as volunteers, supporters, attorneys, interpreters, staff, or community members. The room itself felt like a reflection of what Minnesota went through this past year: people from many backgrounds, roles, and experiences coming together to protect their neighbors
That message was reflected in the remarks from the Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde, this year's keynote speaker and recipient of the Don and Arvonne Fraser Human Rights Award. She began by saying that the award should be going to the city. It was a generous and striking statement, and it captured the spirit of the evening: human rights work is collective, and courage is built by communities willing to show up for one another. The Advocates' work depends on people willing to show up. This year's dinner was a powerful reminder of what that commitment looks like in action, and of what becomes possible when people come together around truth, justice, accountability, healing, and human dignity.
