2026 MLK Day Human Rights Celebration
Monday, January 19, 2026
Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Human Rights Celebration
Advocacy for local human rights and community inclusivity
Recognition of Chaska Human Rights Commission history and mandate
Keynote address on the immigrant and human experience
Presentation of the annual Chaska Human Rights Award
Recognition of past award honorees
Youth initiatives including a coloring contest
Performance of musical selections honoring civil rights themes
Areas of Interest (4)
- Chaska Human Rights Commission hosts 9th annual MLK day event amid rising local social tensions.
- Keynote speaker Ethlind Kaba challenges the 'American Dream' narrative through the lens of a Black immigrant experience.
- Concerns over Minnesota's persistent racial disparities in homeownership and education highlighted at municipal event.
- Mayor Hubbard addresses growing community fear and division in Chaska, calling for 'unity over division'.
Notable Quotes (3)
In our home, the teachings and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were not abstract history. They were the fabric of our everyday lives.
True peace is not merely the absence of tension. It is the presence of justice.
America is complex. It's a tapestry of dreams, of disappointments. For me to only see it as a promise is delusion. But for me to also see it only as as injustice is despair.
People (4)
Kechi DuffyMemberMember of the City of Chaska Human Rights Commission for nearly one year.
1 quote
Member of the City of Chaska Human Rights Commission for nearly one year.
“In our home, the teachings and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were not abstract history. They were the fabric of our everyday lives.”
Reflecting on her upbringing and family values.
Taylor HubbardMayorMayor of Chaska, Minnesota.
1 quote
Mayor of Chaska, Minnesota.
“True peace is not merely the absence of tension. It is the presence of justice.”
Highlighting the core mission of human rights work.
Ethlind KabaExecutive DirectorExecutive Director of the Ann Bancroft Foundation and policy fellow.
1 quote
Executive Director of the Ann Bancroft Foundation and policy fellow.
“I am standing here with a deep heart. I am sad. I am heartbroken. I am angry. I am afraid that my nerves are just everywhere.”
Expressing emotional vulnerability during the keynote address.
Sarah CarlsonChairChair of the City of Chaska Human Rights Commission.
1 quote
Chair of the City of Chaska Human Rights Commission.
“The commission's primary purpose was to establish and secure for all citizens... equal opportunities for employment, housing, public services.”
Describing the history and mandate of the Commission.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (1)
- Annual MLK Celebration, City of Chaska Human Rights Commission
Ordinances & Resolutions (1)
Adopted the Chaska Human Rights Commission into municipal code.