Celebrate International Human Rights Day!

Date: December 6, 2016
Reception Begins 5:00pm
Speakers & Awards 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Venue: First Amendment Center – 1207 18th Ave S, Nashville TN 37212

Join us for the Tennessee celebration of International Human Rights Day!

International Human Rights Day occurs every year to commemorate the ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations on Dec 10, 1948. In Tennessee, Human Rights Day has become a day to reflect and look at lessons learned and battles won, while various human rights groups join forces and commit to creating an even better future.

Tennessee will celebrate Human Rights Day on December 6, 2016 in Nashville. The day begins at 5:00pm, with a reception and exhibits by human rights organizations. Then at 6:00pm, the presentations and awards will begin. Speakers will discuss various human rights topics related to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Awards will be presented for lifetime achievement and outstanding service in the field of human rights, along with recognition of Rising Advocates.

This year, Rising Advocate Awards will be given to three individuals who have made great strides for human rights and show even greater promise for the future. They are Anna Carella, who has worked both locally and in other parts of the world to help others in need and most recently with Advocates for Women’s and Kids’ Equality (AWAKE); Justin Jones, a Fisk University senior who has already proven himself as a strong advocate for social justice and peace by organizing several events, marches and protests with the purpose to help others; and Mohamed Shukri, who works with the Tennessee Immigrants and Refugee Rights Coalition, American Center for Outreach and was on the first Mayor’s New Americans Advisory Council.

The award winners in the category of Outstanding Service are Juan Canedo for his work on issues that affect the wellbeing of the Hispanic community and the community at large, with particular emphasis on empowering Hispanic immigrants; and Derri Smith, who is the Founder and Executive Director of End Slavery Tennessee.

The Lifetime Achievement award this year is going to Dr. Charles Kimbrough, a longtime civil rights activist who established and organized NAACP chapters in four different cities across the South and served as President of the Nashville Branch, where he saw a surge in chapter membership, addressing civil rights issues within the local African American community.