BOSTON, MA � "Nowhere in the world are there 400 individuals gathered together to do the same thing you all are doing today." Those were the inspiring words of MIT Professor and Social Activist, Melvin H. King, as he accepted Project TEAMWORK's Human Rights Leadership Award.

The topic the 400 young people were discussing was the poignant issue of "Hate Crimes."

To counter the wave of discrimination against Muslim and Arab-Americans following the terrorist attacks of September 11, Project TEAMWORK's own human right squad members selected "Hate Crimes" as the theme of the 11th-Annual Human Rights Squad Forum.

On May 8, 2002, approximately 400 youth from 15 middle and high schools convened on the campus of Northeastern University for the year-end culminating event celebrating the accomplish-ments of the Human Rights Squads.

"Be proud that you have decided to take on some issues most of us are afraid to deal with," said Project TEAMWORK Director Susan Leitao. "I would have to say that this year has definitely been one of my favorites ... we know you will continue to do great things."

Human Rights Squad members are middle and high school students who make a pledge against discrimination and prejudice and vow to take an active, positive role in the community on diversity sensitivity and nonviolent conflict resolution.

"Before I came here, I made fun of some people and races, but after this experience, I realized I was wrong," said one student.

"Be proud that you have decided to take on some issues most of us are afraid to deal with," said Project TEAMWORK Director Susan Leitao. "I would have to say that this year has definitely been one of my favorites ... we know you will continue to do great things."

Human Rights Squad members are middle and high school students who make a pledge against discrimination and prejudice and vow to take an active, positive role in the community on diversity sensitivity and nonviolent conflict resolution.

"Before I came here, I made fun of some people and races, but after this experience, I realized I was wrong," said one student.

The keynote speaker for the HRS Forum was civil rights attorney, Suzanne Glick Gilfix, Esq. Gilfix trains and consults clients on discrimination laws and prosecutes civil rights violations and hate crimes. She is a leader in the state-wide Hate Crimes Task Force.

Human Rights Squad members listen to the presentation by Dr. Farah Mohamed of the National Crime Prevention Council.

Said one student, "I loved being a part of Project TEAMWORK and will use everything I learned this year for the rest of my life."

"She said some extremely inspiring things that will help ... She made us think of situations as if it were us, or our friends ... Now I understand more about Hate Crimes," feedback surveys indicated.

The 2002 Project TEAMWORK Leadership Award (student category) was presented to Hamilton Middle School's Hannah Hoy. Hoy, 13, lobbies for support of anti-hate legislation following her town's refusal to pass the measure after it was passed by 54 other towns in MA. She aims to ensure racism, anti-Semitism and prejudice are not tolerated in her town.

The adult winner was Melvin H. King, MIT Professor and Social Activist. A native of Boston's South End, King combines his many years of experience as a university professor, teacher, community organizer, activist, political innovator, author, and spokesperson.

The Darryl Williams Awards for their civic contributions were presented to Martin Luther King Middle School in Dorchester, MA., and Ayer High School.

The Human Rights Squad Forum was coordinated by Project TEAMWORK members Susan Leitao, Amy Bowen, Antwaine Smith and Jarrod Chin. Special assistance was provided by Lisa Gaskins of Mona Lisa, Inc. MVP Training Specialist Zach Falconer served as the event's Master of Ceremonies.