Date modified: January 23, 2025
On a bitterly cold Monday morning, dozens of Chaska residents gathered together to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and recognize individuals and organizations throughout the community that continue to work toward a more caring and inclusive city.
At the Jan. 20 event, one organization and one individual were honored as the 2024 Chaska Human Rights Award recipients, the 15th year the award has been presented.
Beyond New Beginnings (BNB) was honored for providing safe, stable housing for young moms who attend the New Beginnings High School Program, are pursuing a college degree or are entering the workforce. Established in 2019, the nonprofit helps moms learn independent living skills such as self-care, budgeting, nutrition, parenting and planning for the future. With the aid of the Carver County Development Agency, a downtown Chaska apartment building with four two-bedroom units was purchased and now is used by the BNB program.
As she accepted the award, Jill Engeswick, BNB board secretary and program director, said the organization and its volunteers are committed to mentoring young mothers and their children as they strive toward an independent future.
“It’s our privilege to walk alongside families in the journey to a better life,” she told the crowd. “It is truly humbling to see a mom gain confidence and self-esteem as she learns to manage a household while working or going to school. Beyond New Beginnings is paving the way toward a future where safe housing, stability and independence are within reach for every participating mother and child.”
The Human Rights Commission also honored recently retired Chaska Police officer Julie Janke for her 26 years of dedicated service to Chaska , including many years as the department’s community partnership specialist. Throughout her career, Janke launched several successful community engagement programs involving residents of all ages.
Sarah Carlson, Chaska Human Rights Commission chairperson, noted that the goal of the annual award is to recognize local citizens and groups that promote a healthy community and impact individuals in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, public services, education or general social well-being.
“We recognize the extraordinary works of individuals and organizations that have uplifted our community,” she said. “Dr. King described a beloved community as a society where people are treated with kindness, compassion and social equity. A place where racism and prejudice are replaced by sisterhood and brotherhood, a place where conflict can exist but is resolved peacefully, a place where all are recognized and valued, and all are motivated by kindness, compassion and respect.”
Welcoming Comments
Steve Curtis, executive director of the Southwest Metro Chamber of Commerce, was emcee for the event and opened with a Native American land acknowledgement statement.
Chaska Mayor Taylor Hubbard provided comments for the MLK Day Celebration, held at the Chaska Events Center. She said the ideals highlighted by Dr. King still ring true today — citizenship, environmentalism, generosity, human worth and dignity, integrity, respect for others and responsibility.
“They are not just words we say, but rather the guiding pillars of how we live and work together,” she said. “We all have a role in building a better world, a world rooted in justice and compassion. We are working together to create a Chaska where each person is treated with respect and value for who they are. Our community is dedicated to fostering respect for others and lifting up human dignity, ensuring that every person feels seen, heard and appreciated.”
Mayor Hubbard challenged everyone to do their part in making Dr. King’s dream a reality in Chaska and beyond.
“Let us continue to build a community in Chaska that is welcoming, respectful, engaging and inclusive,” she said.
Keynote Address
Shayla Michelle, an Emmy-Award-winning television news journalist, introduced her first illustrated children’s book, “Echo in The Distance,” to the crowd by reading the poem she’d written more than 20 years ago. Her dream was to eventually publish a book based on the spoken word piece, and that dream came true in 2023.
The book centers around the intrinsic value of each human being, no matter the color of their skin or ethnic background. The thoughts recall Dr. King’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech from 62 years ago.
“He believed in an America that could be better,” Michelle said.
The book also borrows from the fictional character of Superman, whose noble quest for justice, love and good works has endured for generations of comic book fans. She challenged the attendees to also seek out opportunities to offer kindness and impact humanity for good.
“Be the person who chooses love every day,” she implored. “Be the person who chooses kindness, be the person who chooses humanity. The world needs what you have to offer.”
