Human Rights banquet set for Sept. 24

The annual Human Rights Banquet returns Sept. 24 to Coeur d’Alene after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now in its 23rd year, the banquet will take place at the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn. It is hosted by the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations.

This year’s banquet represents a continuation of the task force’s ongoing work with community leaders, organizations and volunteers following the June 11 arrests of 31 white nationalist Patriot Front members in Coeur d’Alene.

The Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations, thanks to a grant from the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, has commissioned Jeff and Susan Crowe of Bunkhouse Media to produce a documentary titled “What Are Idaho’s True Values: This Is Who We Are.”

“The documentary features outstanding Idahoans’ testimonies from individuals of different backgrounds discussing Idaho and American cultural values,” said a news release. “The interviewees will share their personal, powerful life experiences as to why these values are so important.”

The film will première at the banquet, replacing the traditional keynote speaker. Following the banquet, the documentary will be made available free of charge to civic groups, businesses, educational institutions and other interested parties.

Attorney Mike Gridley will receive this year's KCTFHR Bill Wassmuth Memorial Volunteer-of-the-Year Award for his many contributions to the community, including coordinating the task force’s recent Reject Hate T-shirt campaign. Gridley is also being recognized for drafting the 2013 city of Coeur d’Alene anti-discrimination ordinance proposed by the task force. The ordinance prevents discrimination in public housing, employment and public accommodations based on sexual orientation.

The 2022 KCTFHR Civil Rights Award will be presented to Coeur d’Alene Police Chief Lee White for his coordination of law enforcement agencies during the June 11 threat to the community’s safety resulting in the arrest of 31 members of the white nationalist Patriot Front.

The banquet’s no-host bar begins at 6 p.m. and dinner will be at 7.

Individual tickets are $50, gold tables are $1,000 and silver tables are $500.

Information: 208-765-3932