The Tennessee Celebration of International Human Rights Day
Challenging Hate: Standing Together for Universal Human Rights
Date: December 10, 2025
Time: Doors open at 5:30 PM, Program 6:30 – 8:00pm CT
Venue: Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Community Hall
Address: 1130 8th Ave S, Nashville TN 37203
Join us for the Tennessee Celebration of International Human Rights Day!
Tennesseans gather each year to commemorate International Human Rights Day—a time to honor leaders who champion equality, dignity, and justice for all. This annual event recognizes outstanding individuals in three award categories: Rising Advocate, Outstanding Service, and Lifetime Achievement.
This year, two individuals with the Lifetime Achievement Award: Albert Bender and Brenda Haywood.
Albert Bender has dedicated most of his adult life to advocating for Indigenous Peoples’ human rights through activism, writing, and public education. His decades of work have made him a respected and influential voice for Indigenous justice in Tennessee and beyond.
Brenda Haywood has spent nearly 40 years serving Nashville as an educator, Metro Councilwoman, and Deputy Mayor, playing a key role in advancing school desegregation and championing equity across the city. Her lifelong commitment to justice continues to strengthen communities throughout Middle Tennessee.
The Outstanding Service Award this year will go to Sheryl Allen Huff. For almost two decades, Sheryl has led grassroots organizing at the intersection of race and poverty, tirelessly supporting marginalized communities. Her on-the-ground commitment has made her a trusted advocate for those most impacted by inequality.
The Rising Advocate Award will go to Kelly Chieng and Jermaine Cole Jr.
Kelly Chieng is a dedicated advocate for Nashville’s homeless and immigrant communities, providing direct outreach and raising emergency housing funds for those in crisis. She is also a fearless voice at Metro Council, pushing for pedestrian safety and public transit improvements to protect the city’s most vulnerable residents.
At just 20 years old, Jermaine Cole Jr. has emerged as a powerful advocate for human rights, championing gun violence prevention and immigrant protections at both the State Capitol and Metro Council. His courageous leadership has inspired a growing movement of youth advocates across Tennessee.
Be a part of this meaningful celebration as we reaffirm our shared commitment to advancing human rights and unity across Tennessee.
Each year, a committee of human rights organizations, nonprofits, and advocates collaborates to plan this event. Members include the Metro Human Relations Commission, United Nations Association Nashville Cordell-Hull Chapter, Tennessee United for Human Rights, Scarritt Bennett Center, the Church of Scientology, and others.
“Human Rights Day is both a celebration and a challenge,” says planning committee chair Rev. Brian Fesler of the Church of Scientology. “This year’s theme—Challenging Hate: Standing Together for Universal Human Rights—calls on all of us to unite against division and discrimination. It’s a time to reflect on our shared humanity, to honor those who have advanced equality, and to renew our commitment to making human rights a fact in every community.”
The Human Rights Day celebration will take place on December 10, 2025, beginning at 5:30 PM at the Church of Scientology in Nashville. Registration is at TnUHR.org with tickets at $10. IF YOU WOULD LIKE A SPONSORED TICKET, PLEASE REACH OUT TO THE ORGANIZER THROUGH THE CONTACT PAGE AT TNUHR.ORG.
Want to help with the event? Contact us!
Download Last Year’s Program Booklet (pdf)