Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission

06/19/2026

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, resilience, and hope. It commemorates June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved people in the United States were informed of their freedom.

This day reminds us that the pursuit of equality requires both reflection and action. Together, we can continue working toward communities where every person is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. As we commemorate this important day, we recognize that understanding our history helps build a more inclusive future. Together, we all share the responsibility to advance equity, justice, and human rights for all, starting here in Barnstable County.

Throughout this weekend, there are many Juneteenth events ranging from education based events to community centered ones. Today, BCHRAC is participating in the Juneteenth community celebration at Drummer Boy Park in Brewster. Stop by our table and say hi, we'll be here untill 1:00pm today!

06/19/2026

Recap from last weekend - tabling at Lower Cape Pride and the Mashpee Friendship Festival on Race Amity Day!
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜❤️🧡💛💚💙💜❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
We are grateful for our amazing volunteers that show up to countless events each year in support of our community and the event organizers who make it all happen 🫶
Stay tuned for photos from the upcoming Juneteenth events 📸

06/10/2026

🌈 This Pride Month is filled with free events and activities across the Cape. Here’s a highlight of what’s coming up so you can mark your calendars 🌈

We’ll be tabling at Falmouth Pride & Lower Cape Pride, come stop by and say hi!

❤️Harwich Council on Aging Pride Film Series
Every Thursdays 6/11, 6/18, 6/25 at 1:00pm
100 Oak Street, Harwich, MA
RSVP is requested at 508-430-7550x1.

🧡Falmouth Pride
Friday 6/12, 4:00-7:00pm
Gus Canty Recreation Center

💛Lower Cape Pride
This event includes the parade, activities for kids and adults, access to local non-profits and resources, and more!
Saturday 6/13, 9:00am-2:00pm
Village Green in Orleans

💚Pride Yoga organized by Tula+ Yoga (TulaPlus)
Sunday 6/14, 1:00-2:15pm
This is a donations based yoga class with all donations supporting Lower Cape Pride

💙Kindness Rock Painting
Saturday 6/20, 10:00am-3:00pm
Harwich Community Center
100 Oak Street, Harwich, MA

💜Are you or someone you know organizing an event for Pride? Let us know so we can help spread the word about it! ✨

06/06/2026

As the 2025–2026 school year comes to a close, we continue to celebrate the young leaders who continue to make a difference in their schools and communities across Barnstable County ⭐

This spring, BCHRAC hosted the 2026 Human Rights Academy, bringing together students from 7 schools under the theme, Building Community Connections. Through thoughtful discussions, collaborative activities, and presentations on community engagement opportunities, students explored ways to support human rights at the local level and create more inclusive, welcoming environments for their peers.

While this school year may be ending, the impact of these students' hard work, creativity, and commitment to human rights will continue long into the future. We look forward to seeing how these students continue to lead, advocate, and strengthen our communities in the years ahead! 💖

06/03/2026

Kick off Pride Month with these free online trainings to provide you with the skills and tools to support LGBTQIA+ communities 🌈
This is a great opportunity for workplace leaders, educators, community members, friends, or family members, and allies to learn how to safely interrupt harm, support someone experiencing harassment, and support LGBTQIA+ people everywhere. Thank you to PFLAG Cape Cod for sharing these trainings & stay tuned for local events and resources during Pride Month (and year round)!

🗓️Bystander Intervention to Support Trans Equality: Thursday, 6/11 @ 02:00 PM
Registration link: https://loom.ly/WYSyo00
🗓️Bystander Intervention to Support the LGBTQIA+ Community: Wednesday, 6/17 @ 01:00 PM
Registration link: https://loom.ly/dS08Law

06/02/2026

We’re back with the BCHRAC Spotlight of the week, starting with Cheri Armstrong, who joined BCHRAC as a Commissioner in May 🌟

Cherian Armstrong is a teacher at Monomoy Regional High School (MRHS) and serves on the Board of Directors for both the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the National Education Association. Within these roles, she actively contributes to the Ethnically Marginalized Affairs Committee and the Anti-Oppression Committee. This work has honed her ability to advocate for systemic equity and navigate complex social issues at both the state and national levels.

Locally, Cherian is deeply invested in youth empowerment and community action. She is a member of the Nauset Interfaith Council’s MLK Action Team and facilitates the Y Achievers Club, a partnership between the YMCA and MRHS dedicated to mentoring BIPOC/First Generation students to achieve their college and career goals. Additionally, she is a passionate advocate for affordable housing, food security, and healthcare — issues that are fundamental to human dignity and community well-being.

At her core she is defined by her dedication to inclusivity and her belief in the power of constructive dialogue. She is open to opposing ideas and values hearing multiple perspectives. She actively strives to foster environments where everyone can speak their truth with kindness and be heard with respect.
In her free time, Cherian loves walking and reading and is happiest if she can do both at the beach!

We are thrilled to have someone as passionate and community oriented as Cheri to help us make a difference across Barnstable County! 🎉

Read more about Cheri and BCHRAC here: https://loom.ly/UwRNS4k

05/29/2026

🌟The Mashpee Inclusion and Diversity Committee's 6th Annual Friendship Festival on Race Amity Day is scheduled for Sunday, June 14th, 12:00-4:00PM at Community Park in Mashpee (across from Town Hall).

🗓️ Mark your calendars for this family-friendly day full of music, food, children's activities, a few speakers, and non-profit tabling (including volunteers from BCHRAC)!

05/21/2026

Children's Mental Health Action Week may be over, but the topic remains important and its impacts on children and families in our community is real.

National Federation of Families shares current research, resources for parents and caregivers, and strategies to protect, preserve, and promote family relationships and vital human bonds that support the mental health of our children and youth.

Share these resources with friends and family to support youth mental health
https://loom.ly/I7WKN-I

05/20/2026

Thank you to PFLAG Cape Cod for sharing an upcoming webinar on Trans Youth in Sports: What's at Stake and How to Talk About It on Wednesday, May 27th at 2:00 pm.

While many of our community partners and their events we are specific to Cape Cod, we all share a common goal of to protecting human rights for all - countywide, nationwide, and across the world. 🌍

Register today for the free webinar to learn how the Supreme Court's ruling on West Virginia v. B.P.J, a decision that's expected in early June, could set a national precedent on trans youth participation in sports that affects students in every state, regardless of local law. 🏳️‍⚧️

Webinar registration link: https://loom.ly/T7R8jxY

Join us for a partner webinar co-hosted by Lambda Legal, CenterLink, and PFLAG in advance of the Supreme Court’s ruling on West Virginia v. B.P.J.

05/15/2026

Every young person deserves access to support, understanding, and hope. Cape Teens Rising provides Cape Cod teens struggling with substance use challenges a safe and supportive space with trained professions and resources to help them in their journey. Share this free resource to help strengthen our community together ❤️

To join this program, contact the Cape Teens Rising team at (774) 487-5227 or [email protected].

Interested in learning even more about resources available to Cape Cod residents?
Behavioral Health Innovators will be presenting at our virtual May meeting on Monday, May 18th. Email [email protected] or [email protected] before 5:00pm on 5/18 for the meeting link to learn more.