County Executive Bellone Makes Two New Appointments to Suffolk County Human Rights Commission

Press Release

COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

OFFICE OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE

H. Lee Dennison Building

100 Veterans Memorial Highway

P.O. Box 6100

Hauppauge, New York 11788-0099

(631) 853-4000

 Steven Bellone

SUFFOLK COUNTY EXECUTIVE

Press Release

Contact Information:

Vanessa B. Streeter

(Office) 631-853-7801

(Cell) 631-885-2298

County Executive Bellone Makes Two New Appointments to

Suffolk County Human Rights Commission

(Hauppauge, NY) – Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, with legislative approval, has appointed two new members to the Suffolk County Human Rights Commission: Bonnie M. Cannon and Dr. Hafizur Rehman.  Human Rights Commission members Rachel Lee Davis, Dr. Gary Mar and Dionne Walker-Belgrave were also reappointed to new terms. 

“Bonnie Cannon and Dr. Hafizur Rehman are welcomed additions to the Suffolk County Human Rights Commission as they will continue to emphasize the importance of diversity and equality for all,” said County Executive Bellone.  “The work of the Human Rights Commission is critical to ensuring equal opportunity and equal rights for all residents of Suffolk County and I believe these two individuals bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Commission which will assist in addressing discriminatory practices as well as promote equality for all Suffolk County residents.”

“On behalf of all the members of the Human Rights Commission, I want to acknowledge our appreciation of the support that has been shown to the Commission by the County Executive and the County Legislature,” said Rabbi Dr. Steven A. Moss, Chairperson. “By these appointments, we now reach our full mandated complement of 15 Commissioners. This will help us in continuing our important work of insuring the rights of all citizens of Suffolk County. We are most pleased by Bonnie Cannon's appointment, who will be the first Commissioner in many years from the South Fork, and by the appointment of Dr. Hafizur Rehman from the Muslim community.”

Ms. Cannon and Dr. Rehman will join the 15-member Commission, which is comprised of dedicated community leaders and advocates, who, through their personal and professional lives, have demonstrated their tireless commitment to human rights by promoting the values of equality, respect and dignity, while fighting against discrimination, intolerance and exclusion.

"The enjoyment of human rights is not exclusively for any selected people or race but for all the human beings who inhabit this planet.  I see a basic goodness in each and every person that encourages me to work for them,” said Dr. Hafizur Rehman.  “I am humbled by this appointment.”

“It is an honor for me to be appointed to such an esteemed group of individuals - the Suffolk County Human Rights Commission,” said Bonnie Cannon.  “I look forward to focusing in on individual's human rights in Suffolk County, which we know are often times neglected. I am committed and will do my part to ensure equal opportunity and equal rights for all. "Equality is the soul of liberty; there is, in fact, no liberty without it."(Frances Wright).  Thanks again for this honor and I look forward to serving the people of Suffolk County.”