Human Rights award winners announced at Martin Luther King breakfast in Moscow

MOSCOW — Two Rosa Parks Human Rights Achievement Awards were presented Saturday at a sold-out breakfast event in Moscow.

Rebekah (Bex) Riehm, a University of Idaho graduate and administrative assistant for the UI Black and African American Culture Center, won the youth award. Riehm was recognized for having a positive effect on human rights in the community and putting together the first Black Excellence Gala last spring.

“If anyone on this campus is a cheerleader for celebrating diversity and seeking ways to give leadership opportunities to our students, it is Bex,” said Mario Pile, director of the Cultural Center, in a nomination letter.

The Community Rosa Parks Award went to Kathy Dawes, who helped establish the Palouse Discovery Center and has dedicated many volunteer hours to the Moscow Community Theatre, the Moscow Arts Commission, and multiple other endeavors, including the Latah County Parks Board.

In 2016, Dawes created “The New Year’s Challenge,” focused on preserving democracy and advancing human rights, according to a news release issued by Joann Muneta, chairperson of the Latah County Human Rights Task Force.

On a regular basis, Dawes provides information on federal, state and local issues, such as education, voting rights, book banning, the environment and health care.

Muneta said the newsletters alert readers to proposed legislation, proposed rule changes, executive appointments, and upcoming town hall meetings with legislators.

“She has sent well over 300 weekly action alerts, each issue thoroughly researched and thoughtfully written and has spread information that inspires and expands citizen participation in our political system,” Muneta said.