By Jennifer L. Warren
CAMPBELL HALL – “We are on the verge of an abyss and need to find the light; we spend so much time othering each other,” Michele McKeon relayed to attendees Friday morning. “I challenge all of you to continue to show humanity; at the end of the day, it’s all about hope.”
McKeon, one of the honorees at the 25th Annual Orange County Human Rights Commission Awards Ceremony, went on to deliver two riveting-inspiring tales in her work exemplifying that precious hope. The Chief Operating Officer of the 60 year old Regional Economic Community Action Program (RECAP), tirelessly working to reduce poverty while increasing equity in the community, McKeon, like her four fellow honorees, also symbolizes the mission the Orange County Human Rights Commission seeks to instill each day. Friday, inside the Graham Skea Lodge at Stony Ford, those ensuring the priceless principles of equity, justice, inclusivity and respect for all were saluted for all they do to ensure those precious rights.
“Let the world understand we are all different, but we can come together because we are all one race,” Robin White, Human Rights Commission Co-Chair said in her Opening Remarks.
After video footage Welcome Remarks by County Executive, Steven Neuhaus, Inaudy Esposito Gil, Executive Director of the Commission elaborated upon what her group strives to accomplish each and every day.
“Discrimination against underprivileged groups and ones who don’t fit the norm is not something new; it’s been happening for decades,” said Gil. “We fight for everyone’s rights, their equality, and I’m so proud to be a part of a Commission that challenges me every day, as the work is far from done.”
Support for and dedication to that mission was evident throughout the room. Another honoree, Melanie Collins, described by Gil as someone who, ‘always had a vision for her community and a whole lot of love to give,’ is the founder of BLK Hudson and LYNC, aimed at educational, economic cultural opportunities as well as the Newburgh YouthBuild Program, offering high school equivalency degrees to out-of-school youth, ages 16-24, along with job certifications, accepted her recognition with deep gratitude.
“This is so very humbling; I could not do the work I do without the help of so many people around me,” said Collins, who was surrounded at her table by several of her students. “There are no mistakes in life, only lessons.”
Some of those lessons were learned early on by yet another honoree, Pamela McLean. Born prematurely at just six months, weighing a mere 3 pounds and 13 ounces, McLean, who according to her own admission, was “not supposed to live or be here standing in front of you at 54 years old.” Persevering through several seemingly insurmountable obstacles, McLean, who has been working with Independent Living since 2007, has been passionately committed to her advocacy since college graduation.
“We are all people with some disability,” affirmed McLean, who took a proactive, verbal survey on how many people in attendance had dealt with a challenged person in need during their lives, resulting in a multitude of hands lifted. “I’m just so very grateful for everything.”
Deep appreciation was also evident in the one organization, The Newburgh Armory Unity Center, among the recipients. Dubbed a “second home” by so many in the City of Newburgh community, the Armory, strives every day to ensure the mission, “no child needs to give up on dreams or barriers, and the cycle of giving back strengthens community.”
Executive Director, William Kaplan, was on hand to accept the Commission’s recognition.
“You have to come out to the Armory to see what we do to believe it,” said Kaplan. On a typical Saturday morning, there are over 500 kids being dropped off of all colors, nationalities, you name it engaging in activities; come and see it in person, and don’t look down, look up.”
Rounding out the morning’s recipients was Angela Jo Henze, Executive Director of the Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc. Bringing over 30 years of experience in an array of critical areas in the field, Henze is a strong believer in the importance of “Joy and work,” while keeping a work and personal balance. Similar to her fellow recipients, Henze expressed profound gratitude for the esteemed honor. In addition to the outstanding individuals and place the group paid tribute to, this year’s Awards Ceremony served as a fundraiser for two 2025 $1,000 high school scholarships.