Honoring Those Who Defend Our Rights

Online, December 1, 2010 (Newswire.com) - The theme of the day for 2010, designated by the United Nations, is "human rights defenders who act to end discrimination". Staying true to the theme, this year's local celebration will include a panel of human rights experts that will address the issues facing those that work in human rights in Middle Tennessee. Panelists include, Hedy Weinberg of the American Civil Liberties Union, Father Joseph Breen of St. Edwards Catholic Church, Dr. Oscar Miller of TSU, Kasar Abdulla who will represent the Islamic Center of Nashville as well as the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition and Jose Gonzales from Conexion Americas. The program will also include a keynote address by Reverend Dr. Kelly Miller Smith Jr. of the historical First Baptist Church Capitol Hill in Nashville.

A highlight of the evening is the Human Rights Advocate Award presentation. This award is given annually to individuals that have dedicated their lives to ending discrimination and promoting human rights. Last year, former long-time executive director of the Metro Human Relations Commission, Fred Cloud and Inez Crutchfield were presented with this prestigious award. This year's awardees will be announced as the event date nears.

Human Rights Day began in 1950 when the General Assembly of the United Nations declared December 10th as official day of recognition. The purpose of the day is to celebrate the anniversary date of the assertion of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to promote efforts to improve human rights. Locally, Middle Tennessee human rights organizations have held an annual celebration in recognition of the event dating back to 2003. Organizations working to organize the event this year include the Metro Nashville Human Relations Commission, Tennessee Human Rights Commission, United Nations Association, Church of Scientology, Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, Free for Life Ministries, AFL-CIO and others.

For more information, visit the website, NashvilleHumanRights.org.