A free panel discussion took place earlier this evening at MoCA Westport with a focus on bringing awareness and knowledge to the community’s human rights issues. Attendees were surrounded by the expansive When the Caged Bird Sing exhibition while listening to first-hand conversation about the human rights violations in our community’s region.

The When Caged Birds Sing exhibition features the works of the late Westport-based artist Ann Weiner and “focuses on the stories of eight women who have each endured the pain of physical, psychological or/and emotional abuse because of their gender and who have survived and bravely gone on to advocate for change on behalf of other women who are still at risk” according to Weiner’s website. The panel, moderated by Executive Director Ruth Mannes, included:

• Claudia King, State of CT’s HART (Human Anti-trafficking Response Team)

• Cadence Pentheny, Coordinator, Community and Corporate Learning, LGBTQ+ Training Institute, Triangle Community Center

• Jamie Rubin, Southwest Regional Manager, Connecticut Commission on Human Rights & Opportunities