Dave Thomas Receives 2024 Human Rights Commission Award
On Wednesday, February 12, Port Chester resident but active Rye community member Dave Thomas claimed the Human Rights Commission Award for 2024. Ingraham Taylor of the Rye Human Rights Commission presented Thomas with the award on behalf of Chairperson Rita Capek at the Rye City Council Meeting.
“Dave’s contributions to both our community and the cemetary are immeasurable,” Taylor said during the award ceremony. “The most profound impact of Dave’s work is felt by the families whose ancestors rest in this historic site.”
Thomas and his family live next door in Port Chester, but he has been the President of Friends of the African American Cemetery for over one decade. He has spent that time promoting the educational significance and rich stories of the cemetary through celebrations, services, and other community-building events. He has also led important physical work for the site, such as headstone cleansing and unmarked grave site discovery, to improve its outward appearance. Thomas’ work is entirely voluntary.
Thomas is the first to win the award since Sue Wexler on January 24, 2024. You can learn more about him and his work with Friends of the African American Cemetary here.
Note that the Youth Human Rights Award will be awarded in the fall, a change from last year.
