December 10th is International Human Rights Day, so it seemed the perfect date to celebrate life with ideas and music. The right to express yourself is a fundamental right and you don't realize how important it is until it is curtailed from you. So, while we will celebrate what we have, come learn about those who don't and what we can do to raise awareness.
Celebration of Life is an event where we honor the achievement of human rights defenders in the U.S. and around the globe. Enjoy an afternoon of music, poetry, and appearances by prominent human rights advocates, their families and celebrity supporters.
PART I: 3:00-3:50 PST
A Private Virtual Reception and Conversation with Keith Ellison
The Attorney General of Minnesota Keith Ellison and I will discuss the use of Religious Freedom Restoration Act in justifying discrimination in the name of religion, the status of anti-FGM law in his state and other issues. Mr. Ellison will get personal in how he views this and other matters, and as a Muslim. Come with your questions, dressed up and with your favorite drink!
PART II: 4:00-5:30 PST
A Celebration of Music with host Ahmed Eldin
There are people who get killed for displaying offensive cartoons as has been the case in Europe. And in Nigeria, a 20-year old man Yahya is sentenced to death by hanging for a song he wrote and sang deemed blasphemous. Imagine yourselves in his shoes. Join us in the second hour as Ms. Karima Bennoune, the United Nations Special Rapporteur for Cultural Rights and I discuss this issue and that of the cartoons. Learn how culture can be both good and bad and what we need to do to rid of the harmful ones.
When harmful cultural beliefs and practices are exercised in the name of religion, we must counter it with #NoHateInMyFaith, no matter what faith or non-faith.
Also in the second hour, you will hear from MPV's Ambassador Blair Imani, an educator, historian and author. Her awesome #SmarterInSeconds is 60 seconds is worth your time. Check it out!
So to celebrate the International Human Rights Day, we will double down with lots of freedom of expressions! We will be joined by performers Leila Milki, Amira, Danielle Lopresti and Sophia Alone, who is also the event producer.
Please join me!
Ani Zonneveld
Founder, President
