In this series, MyRye.com will introduce readers to the boards and commissions of the City of Rye and the residents who run them. All volunteers, these residents give their time and expertise to keep our city running. The series is intended to bring visibility to what each board and commission does, its priorities and what might prompt a resident or another person or company to interact with the group.
We have made our best efforts to reach out to each board and commission chairperson directly or via City officials. If you are a board or commission chair and have not been contacted, or if you are a reader with feedback on this series, please get in touch with MyRye.com.
Meet the Human Rights Commission and its Chair Rita Capek.
Your Name: Rita Capek
Name of the Board or Commission you chair: Human Rights Commission
Your role: Chairperson
MyRye.com: What is the charter for your Commission?
Capek: Under the charter that was established over 50 years ago, some of the “duties” of the Commission have remained the same. Taking precedent is: to “foster mutual respect and understanding among all groups in the community.” Additionally, “conduct and recommend such educational programs as, in its judgement, will increase goodwill among inhabitants of the community and open new opportunities into all phases of community life for all inhabitants.” Since its inception, the Commission and its members have been faithful to the language in the charter.
Looking at 2024, what will be your top initiatives?
Capek: Nationally, state and local institutions engage international human rights standards to promote equality, dignity and fairness at a local level and overall, the Rye Human Rights Commission strives to promote these standards in our community. In 2024, our initiatives include continuing to provide opportunities for fostering communication and educational events. We are also dedicated to building partnerships within Rye where we can all jointly support each other on human rights topics.
- For Black History Month, in partnership with The Jay Heritage Center and the Port Chester-Rye NAACP, the Commission hosted an event featuring historian (and Sy Schulman History Award Winner) Dave Thomas from the Rye African American Cemetery. Dave spoke about some of the new technology available to assist in preserving and identifying this landmark location. Continuing to highlight the work Dave does is important in preserving the history of the cemetery and the legacies of the individuals buried there as well as educating families about local Black Heritage. We are also working on bringing other speakers and events to Rye this year.
- In terms of building relationships and partnerships, we are proud to have a Youth representative on the Commission and are the only Commission to have this distinction. And we are partnering with Rye High School administration to cultivate a deeper connection. The Commission was recently asked to help support a student led discussion on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. We are thankful for other partnerships with the Rye Free Reading Room, Jay Heritage Center and we have received support from the Chamber of Commerce on some of our goals. Rye Police Commissioner Kopy and Tejash Sanchala, executive director of Westchester County Human Rights Commission, are also some of the contacts we have established.
- One of our initiatives this year is to introduce to all businesses in town a window cling featuring our Human Rights logo. The window cling contains a QR code that when scanned, shows the individual that the establishment: 1) strives to strengthen the community that we operate in by protecting human rights in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles on Business 2) welcomes customers, visitors and vendors of every race, ethnicity, ability difference, age, etc. to the place of business; 3) is an equal opportunity employer. The purpose is to illustrate to residents and visitors to Rye, our community’s commitment to Human Rights. Rye would be the first community in Westchester County to implement this initiative. The logo and QR code can also be made available to online businesses.
Who is the City Council liaison to your Commission for 2024?
Capek: Julie Souza. She was in [this] role when I joined the Commission.
Tell us about the residents or others you interact with at your Commission.
Capek: The Human Rights Commission is open to the public. Our monthly schedule for 2024 is posted on the Rye City website. We would welcome the opportunity for community participation and hope to hear firsthand some of the thoughts and ideas of our residents on how the Commission can help facilitate conversation and education surrounding Human Rights topics.
When was your Commission chartered by the City of Rye?
Capek: The Human Rights Commission was established in 1963. There was a period of inactivity in the late ‘90s/early 2000’s. It was re-established in 2016 and has been going strong since.
Looking back across 2023, what were your Commission’s top achievements?
Capek:
- In February 2023 for Black History Month, we co-hosted an event in conjunction with the Rye Historical Society at the Rye Free Reading Room. The featured speaker was Paul M. Redd Jr. and we had distinguished guests such as “Rye Guy” George Latimer, Tejash Sanchala, executive director of the Westchester County Human Rights Commission, and attorney Mayo Bartlett who is actively involved in the County in addressing acts of hate and discrimination. Paul Redd Jr. shared the story of his parents, Paul and Orial Redd, residents of Rye who were African American were seeking to rent a new apartment in Rye. The landmark discrimination case he brought when denied a home in Rye led to passage of NYS anti-discrimination legislation called The Redd Bill in 1962. Paul Redd Sr. would be elected that association’s first cooperative board president and he was an outsized member of Westchester County in his continued contributions.
- Honoring community members with the Rye Human Rights Commission Awards to several individuals the past several years. We were especially moved by the efforts of the nominees in the “Youth/18 and Under” category. The contributions that all these individuals made in fostering human rights through volunteerism, dedication and commitment were inspiring. [see: Three to Receive Awards from Human Rights Commission.]
- The Commission developed our own “logo” using the open source United Nations Human Rights symbol. The symbol is described as a combination of “the silhouette of a hand with that of a bird. It is intended as a peaceful contribution toward strengthening human rights…” We are using this logo on all of our internal and external communication so that over time the Commission can build awareness in the community and use us as a resource.
Tell us about you:
How long have you been in the role?
Capek: I have been a member of the Human Rights Commission since November 2020. I was appointed chairperson in December 2021. I was previously on the Heard in Rye Board and was also an executive board member with RAISE (Rye All Inclusive Special Education).
What is your day job?
Capek: I worked at a division of News Corporation for over 20 years where I started in sales and then was promoted to Chief Human Resources Officer and COO. Leveraging my previous experience, I currently work with businesses as an HR consultant and business strategy partner. I am also a certified Executive Coach helping executives and managers achieve confidence and purpose in their leadership. My personal and professional experiences are what led me to be part of the Human Rights Commission.
How much time does your role require in a typical month?
Capek: The Commission meets once a month in person. During the month, depending on the activity or event, the time is spent coordinating with other members and individuals in the community to progress our goals.
How would your friends and family describe you in one word?
Capek: Fun
Pick one:
Capek:
| Select from: | Your Pick: |
| Coke or Pepsi? | Neither |
| Regular or diet? | Neither again… |
| Action movie or rom com? | Action Movie as long as it doesn’t have vampires or is the 16th installment in the “Fast & Furious” franchise |
| Cook, order in or eat out? | A combo of cook and order in—my husband is an amazing cook so I’m able to order in home cooking! |
| Dog, cat or no pet? | Two dogs, three fish tanks, and a bearded dragon…but never a cat! |
| Balsamic vinaigrette or ranch? | Balsamic |
| Ruffles Original, Lay’s Barbeque or Funyuns? | Lay’s Barbecue |
| Still, sparkling or tap? | Sparkling |
What is the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?
Capek: I am grateful for so many acts of kindness shown toward me and my family. It’s hard to pick just one. Probably, it’s the so many small, unexpected gestures – like an unasked for cup of tea on a Sunday afternoon; friends showing up for my father’s memorial service in my tiny AZ hometown; a listening, non-judgmental ear; a sincere “how are you”; or even an extended, five-month maternity leave so I was able to care for our premie twins 18 years ago.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why, and who would you take with you?
Capek: I would like to take my mother and my daughter to Paris for a wonderful girls trip. I’m hoping we can schedule it soon!
What is your favorite streaming / TV series?
Capek: “This is Us” and “Ted Lasso” are a few of my favorites.
What is your favorite movie?
Capek: Hard to pick one—but overall it has to be “The Princess Bride” with an inconceivably close runner up of “The Greatest Showman”.
Where do you live in Rye and how many years have you lived in the City?
Capek: We have lived in Milton Point since 2001.
Thanks Rita!
