PJHR 75th Anniversary Celebration ofHuman Rights

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IN THE NEWS: The Boca Raton Tribune - Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

PJHR’s held its signature Fall event is the “75th Anniversary Celebration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights” December 8-10, 2023 at Florida Atlantic, Boca Raton. In partnership with the Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library, FAU Veteran Owls, and the Center for Holocaust and Human Rights Education the event brought together practitioners, academics, diplomats, politicians, teachers, and students to raise awareness about and learn how to better advance the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The event concluded with a banquet and awards ceremony. Archive Schedule below.

View the Program

December 8, 2023

Understanding the 30 Articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

PJHR 75th Anniversary of the the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Poster and Tshirt design on display, Joseph Velasquez, Head of Printmaking, Florida Atlantic University

11 am - 12 pm: Keynote Address - Performing Arts Bldg. (PA 101): What Does the Future Hold for Human Rights?, Chris Fariss

Performance - Performing Arts Bldg. (PA 101): Pianist Abby Mickle will perform Prelude 6 by Max Richter, Origins by Max Richter, & Threnody by Carl Vine

12 - 1:30 pm: Lunch - Taco Bar, Outside Patio, Theatre Lab (Parliament Hall). Featuring a performance by MIAMIBLOCO

2 - 5 pm: Academic Symposium: Human Rights and Pedagogy - Performing Arts Bldg. (PA 101):

The Challenges of Teaching Human Rights in Hopeless Times, Gabriela Martinez Sainz
Empowering Activists for Human Rights: Strategies for Advocacy and Self-Care, Brittany Sinitch Menendez
Teaching Tough Topics in a Human Rights Framework, Mary Johnson & Bernadette Bennett
The Resonance of Human Rights, Chris Fariss

December 9, 2023

Culture & Practice: How to Take Action in Your Life, in your Community, & in the World Around You

9 - 11:30 am: How do we act on Human Rights for ourselves and for 8 billion others across the planet?

Robert Kesten, Executive Director, Stonewall National Museum Archives, & Library - Live Oak Pavilion C & D

11:30 - 12:45 pm: Brunch in Dinning Hall (vouchers provided for registered participants)

12:45 - 5 pm: Workshops that provide tools for how to advocate for the articles through…

1 - 2 pm: How to Live the Articles: Improv, Anthony Francis, Live Oak C & D
2:15 - 3:15 pm: How to Live the Articles: Performance Art, Marquese McFerguson, Live Oak Pavilion C & D
3:30 - 4:45 pm: How to Live the Articles: Dance, Kayla Hamilton & Elisabeth Motley, Live Oak C & D

December 10, 2023

Politics and the Future: How to Reach the Greatest Number of People

11 am -12 pm: Yoga, area outside Live Oak
1 - 2:30 pm: Welcome with Robert Kesten, Executive Director, Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library - Grand Palm Room, Student Union Bldg. (UN)
1:30 - 2:30 pm: Mindfulness Through Personal Identity, Dido Balla, Grand Palm Room, Student Union Bldg. (UN)
2:30 - 3:30 pm: Breakout groups and activities: How to move forward with Intention to Live the 30 Articles.
4 - 7 pm: Reception* and Awards Banquet, Grand Palm Room, Student Union Bldg. (UN)

Spirit of Human Rights Student Award will be presented to India Marshall
India Marshall is a third-year student at Florida Atlantic University, studying towards a Bachelor of Arts in Art History. She aspires to center the arts and museums industry around diversity, creativity and adaptability. India is a passionate environmental and human rights activist, driving change through leadership positions with organizations like Southern Utah Wilderness Association and the Sierra Club aiming to protect sacred land and people. She spends most of her time between school volunteering and traveling with these organizations to Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., North Florida, and the Western United States and Nature Reserves, hosting protests, discussions with legislators and much more. After graduation, India plans to continue her professional education with a Masters in Education, while pursuing a bright career in human rights activism, working to build a brighter future for the next generation. future for the next generation.
Spirit of Human Rights Faculty Award will be presented to Josephine Beoku-Betts: Josephine Beoku-Betts is Professor Emerita of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, and former Director of the Center for Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Florida Atlantic University. Her research and publications have focused on educational and employment experiences and perspectives of African women scientists, and women’s political activism in Sierra Leone since the 1990s, and have appeared in Gender& Society, NWSA Journal, Africa Today, Meridians, and Women and Minorities in Science and Engineering, among others. She is co-Editor of War, Women, and Post-Conflict Empowerment: Lessons from Sierra Leone with Fredline A. M’Cormack-Hale (Zed Books, 2022). She is past President of Sociologists for Women in Society (2020-2021), past co-President of RC 32 (Research Committee on Women, Gender, and Society) of the International Sociological Association (2014-2018), Fulbright Scholar at the University of Sierra Leone (2011-2012, 2018-2019) and recipient of the Sociologists for Women in Society Feminist Activism Award (2014) and Florida Commission on the Status of Women Florida Achievement Award (2012).
Spirit of Human Rights Community Member Award will be presented to Andrea Levine O’Rourke: Andrea Levine O'Rourke, originally from Boston MA, has been a Boca Raton resident since 1979. Andrea served as an elected official on the Boca Raton City Council from 2017-2023 and held the position as Deputy Mayor from 2020-2023. She is a graduate from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Andrea has been deeply dedicated to her community. She has worn many hats, and her commitment to making a difference has never wavered. Andrea strong civic commitment has been realized through community leadership with an emphasis on mentorship, placemaking, public art, culture, education, and resident involvement. Andrea has served the community on Federation of Boca Raton Homeowners Association, the Downtown Advisory Committee, The Boca Raton Museum Community Outreach Advisory, Boca Raton Innovation Campus AHA Committee (BRIC - art, history & architecture), Rotary Club of Boca Raton and is a member of the Florida Atlantic University Alumni Association. Andrea has run her own Creative Services company with a focus on graphic, interior and commercial design. She was previously employed by The HARID Conservatory in Dormitory and Resident Management and the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce as Director of Communication. Andrea has been an avid supporter of the arts and among her many achievements is being the driving force in creating a Department of Public Art + Place for the City of Boca Raton. She claims her most rewarding accomplishments beside her family is being a role model for young people and a leader who is committed to making her community a better place for everyone.
Courage in Human Rights Award will be presented to Jackie Katushabe, mother and Ugandan Refugee: Jackie Katushabe, recipient of the Eleanor Roosevelt & Shulamith Koenig Courage in Human Rights Award, presented for her fearless work on behalf of her community residing in a refugee camp in Kenya, after being forced out of their homes in Uganda. The LGBTQ+ community is under attack in these nations and often under the threat of death, Jackie stands up and speak out. This kind of bravery puts her at risk, but without her voice many others would have already been murdered. We hope this recognition will save her life and the lives of others.

*Generous wine donation for reception was provided by southernglazers.com