Tom Oye Award

Scott Neal, March 1, 2011 | Posted in Scott Neal

Most communities have created ways to recognize their citizens for acts of courage, community service or just good old fashioned good citizen-ness.  In Edina, we’ve got a couple of notable awards that our bestowed by the City.  Currently, our  Human Rights and Relations Commission is seeking nominations for its Tom Oye Human Rights Award, honoring the late Tom Oye and other members of the community whose good works promote human relations and advance human rights.

Mr. Oye helped found the Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission in 1970 and served on it for more than 30 years. He also served on the Edina Chemical Health Partners committee and the University of Minnesota Human Relations Committee.  In addition, Oye was a Nisei soldier in World War II, a second-generation Japanese American who served in the 100^th Infantry Battalion of the 442^nd Regimental Combat Team, one of the most decorated units in U.S. military history. In 2003, Oye received the Prize for Humanity by the Immortal Chaplains Foundation.

If you live or work in Edina, you are eligible for the Tom Oye Human Rights Award. The Human Rights and Relations Commission will evaluate nominees based on their efforts to foster respect and dignity for others, model courage and/or compassion in the advancement of human rights, and demonstrate leadership by example for improving human relations and/or advancing human rights.

For more information, contact Human Services Coordinator Susan Howl, 952-826-0403, or see this link at our City website:  Tom Oye Award.