Winona City & County Human Rights Commission

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Winona City & County Human Rights Commission Commission members implement the Minnesota Human Rights Act and advise the City Council on long-range programs to improve community relations.

The Winona Human Rights Commission (WHRC) is a commission established to secure all citizens equal opportunity in areas of protection such as employment, housing, education, among others. Members of this commission are leaders from the Winona community who volunteer their valuable time and energy to advocate for the rights of people in Winona County. The WHRC meets every first Wednesday of the month at 4:30 pm in the City Hall and it is open to the public. The services WHRC provides are free and confidential. If you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your race, religion, age, s*x, s*xual orientation, marital status, or disability, you may file a complaint with the WHRC. The commission can help both sides with a solution to the problem. Call 507-457-8200 on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Or you can contact the toll-free number of the Minnesota Human Rights Department: 1-800-657-3704.

Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom, History, and ProgressToday we recognize Juneteenth, a day that honors the end of s...
06/19/2026

Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom, History, and Progress

Today we recognize Juneteenth, a day that honors the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates the resilience, strength, and contributions of Black communities.

On June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned that they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. This moment became a powerful reminder that freedom and justice are not always immediate, and that progress requires action.

Juneteenth is important because it invites us to:

❤️Learn and reflect on real American history
💛Celebrate Black culture, achievements, and leadership
💚Recognize the ongoing work toward equity and inclusion
🖤Commit to creating communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive

Freedom is not just a moment in history, it is a value we continue to build together.

Happy Juneteenth is a day of remembrance, celebration, and commitment to a more equitable future. ❤️💛💚🖤

06/17/2026

Pride Month Spotlight: Belonging Matters 🏳️‍🌈

The Winona Human Rights Commission celebrates the strength, resilience, and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout our community.

Pride is more than a celebration—it is a reminder that everyone deserves to live authentically, safely, and with dignity. Building an inclusive community means standing up against discrimination, supporting one another, and ensuring that every person feels valued and respected.

Whether you identify as LGBTQ+, are an ally, or are simply learning how to support others, your actions help create a more welcoming Winona for all.

Together, we can continue fostering a community where everyone belongs.

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Visibility is a human right. 💛When AAPI communities are seen, heard, protected, and celebrated, we build stronger and sa...
05/22/2026

Visibility is a human right. 💛

When AAPI communities are seen, heard, protected, and celebrated, we build stronger and safer communities for everyone. Representation matters — not just in media or history books, but in leadership, healthcare, education, workplaces, and everyday life.

AAPI visibility means dignity.
AAPI visibility means safety.
AAPI visibility means human rights.

This AAPI Heritage Month and beyond, we stand against hate and for a future where every person belongs, every story matters, and every community can thrive.

This Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Winona Human Rights Commission honors the histories, cultur...
05/20/2026

This Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Winona Human Rights Commission honors the histories, cultures, and perspectives of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. Their traditions, values, and voices have shaped generations through deep connections to family, land, ocean, language, resilience, and community care.

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander cultures remind us of the importance of stewardship, respect, unity, and honoring the stories that connect people across generations. By listening, learning, and uplifting NHPI voices, we help create a more inclusive and informed community for everyone.

Winona is strengthened by diversity, cultural understanding, and the shared commitment to treating one another with dignity and respect. Together, we celebrate the richness and contributions of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities — today and every day.

Being an ally means more than words — it means choosing empathy, respect, and action every day. During Asian American an...
05/18/2026

Being an ally means more than words — it means choosing empathy, respect, and action every day. During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Winona Human Rights Commission encourages our community to stand alongside AAPI neighbors, friends, coworkers, and families by speaking up against discrimination, supporting inclusion, and celebrating diversity.

Allyship can look like listening to lived experiences, challenging stereotypes, supporting AAPI-owned businesses and organizations, and creating spaces where everyone feels safe and valued. Small actions can make a powerful difference in building a stronger and more connected community.

Winona is at its best when we stand together and ensure every person has the opportunity to belong, thrive, and be heard.

Discrimination and hate have no place in Winona. During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Winona H...
05/15/2026

Discrimination and hate have no place in Winona. During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Winona Human Rights Commission stands in solidarity with AAPI community members and reaffirms our commitment to inclusion, dignity, safety, and respect for all.

AAPI individuals and families continue to make meaningful contributions to our schools, businesses, healthcare systems, arts, culture, and community leadership. Everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and welcomed — free from discrimination, harassment, and hate.

Creating a stronger community starts with listening, learning, speaking up against injustice, and supporting one another. Together, we can continue building a Winona where every person belongs and every voice matters.

Leadership grows through education, mentorship, and community support — and AAPI leaders continue to help shape a strong...
05/13/2026

Leadership grows through education, mentorship, and community support — and AAPI leaders continue to help shape a stronger future in Winona.

From classrooms and colleges to businesses, healthcare, nonprofits, and public service, Asian American and Pacific Islander community members contribute knowledge, innovation, compassion, and leadership that positively impact generations to come.

When we invest in education and create opportunities for diverse voices to lead, we build a community where everyone can thrive. The Winona Human Rights Commission is proud to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and leadership of AAPI individuals who continue to inspire and strengthen our community every day.

This Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Winona Human Rights Commission celebrates the many contribu...
05/11/2026

This Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Winona Human Rights Commission celebrates the many contributions AAPI community members bring to Winona every day. From education and healthcare to local businesses, arts, culture, leadership, and community service, AAPI voices help strengthen and enrich our city in countless ways.

Winona is stronger when every culture is valued, every story is heard, and every person feels they belong. Today and every day, we honor the diversity, resilience, and impact of our Asian American and Pacific Islander neighbors, friends, families, and leaders.

Together, we continue building a community rooted in inclusion, respect, and opportunity for all.


Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities have played a vital role in shaping the history and future of the...
05/08/2026

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities have played a vital role in shaping the history and future of the United States.

From building the transcontinental railroad to advancing medicine, technology, education, public service, and the arts, AAPI individuals have contributed in countless ways—often overcoming significant barriers and exclusion along the way.

Their stories are not separate from American history—they are American history.

As we recognize AAPI Heritage Month, we honor the resilience, innovation, and leadership of AAPI communities, past and present. We also reaffirm our commitment to ensuring these contributions are recognized, valued, and uplifted.

Together, we can continue building a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Address

207 Lafayette Street
Winona, MN
55987

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

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