Sport in Society Explores Human Rights in Africa at Annual Human Rights Squad Forum
(4-30-07) Boston, Mass. - More than 500 high school students will file into Northeastern University�s Blackman Auditorium on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 from 9 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. to participate in the Center for the Study of Sport in Society�s17th annual Human Rights Leadership Forum. Chosen by the students, the theme this year is Human Rights in Africa. Comcast generously sponsored the event.
The keynote speaker is Northeastern University professor and accomplished Jazz musician Emmett Price. Additional speakers include: Patriots player Benjamin Watson, former Boston Celtics player Walter McCarty, Sport in Society�s Antonio Arrendel and Eli Wolff. The event will be emceed by WBZ�s Steve Burton.
The event highlights and honors students for the important work they have done over the year to reduce prejudice and violence within their schools and local communities. Each student participated in a Human Rights Squad and worked in their schools and community to stop violence and discrimination after completing Sport in Society�s Project TEAMWORK program and Mentors in Violence Prevention training.
Two school Human Rights Squads that have gone above and beyond their duties to the community by taking a proactive role in solving problems in their neighborhoods and towns are the Raphael Hernandez Middle School and the West Boylston High School. Each will be presented the Daryl Williams Award. The award is named in honor of Darryl Williams, a member of Project TEAMWORK, was shot more than twenty years ago while playing in a Charlestown high football game. The racially motivated attack left Williams paralyzed. He speaks to youth across the nation, using his experience to show students the harmful products of discrimination.
Two new awards will be introduced this year the Jackson Katz Award and the Byron Hurt Award. The awards will be presented to the COMPASS School and Norwood High School, respectively.
About Sport in Society
The Center for the Study of Sport in Society at Northeastern University is the world�s leading social justice organization that uses sport to create social change.The flagship organization located in the heart of Boston, Mass. was founded in 1984 by Dr. Richard Lapchick and touts a branch in Baltimore, Md. Through research, education, and advocacy the center works locally, nationally, and internationally to promote physical activity, health, violence prevention, and diversity among young people, adults, and college and professional athletes. Sport in Society�s innovative programs are all staffed by former college, Olympic, or professional athletes and has been awarded America�s most successful violence prevention program by Lou Harris, the Peter F. Drucker Award as the most innovative non-profit program in the social sector. Most recently it was recognized by the Boston Red Sox for its dedication and service to the community. Visit Sport in Society at www.sportinsociety.org.
