The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a state agency this year, will hold a human and civil rights Listening Tour in Middlesboro, Ky., on Wednesday, July 14, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Mt Moriah Baptist Church. The church is located at 314 N 19th St. Contact the church directly at (606) 248-5228.
Helping to facilitate the session will be Kentucky Human Rights Commissioner Sam Coleman who represents the Middlesboro area in his seat on the commission. Commission representatives will be interested in listening to local residents' interests, concerns and opinions about civil rights issues in Middlesboro and the surrounding region. The event is free and the public is invited to attend.
The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights Listening Tour Series began in January to raise public awareness of civil rights and equal opportunity. So far, the tour has held sessions in the Kentucky cities of Cadiz, Mayfield, Richmond, Somerset, Paris, Versailles, Paducah, Hopkinsville, Ashland, Campbellsville, and Louisville. The tour will continue in other areas throughout the year.
The state human rights commission will use the tour session to gather information from residents and local officials about their civil and human rights concerns. The commission will also share information about the purpose and functions of the state government agency and how people can get help when individuals are victims of illegal discrimination.
The Kentucky Human Rights Commission is the state government agency that enforces the Kentucky Civil Rights Act, which bans discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and financial transactions. People are protected from discrimination based on their race, gender, disability, color, religion, national origin, family status in housing and age 40 and over in employment.
For more information, contact Mary Ann Taylor at the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights at 1-800-292-5566.
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