International Human Rights Day in Michiana Links Economy with Human Rights
Date: Saturday, December 11, 2010, 1:00PM-3:00PM
Location: IU-South Bend’s Civil Rights Heritage Center, Indiana University at South Bend, 1040 W. Washington St.
Contacts: Joe Carbone, Jobs with Justice: 574-292-8137.
Jackie Smith, Michiana Social Forum: 574-631-2640; 574-233-3928
The public is invited to honor and celebrate “International Human Rights Day” on Saturday, December 11, 2010, 1:00PM-3:00PM at the IU-South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center, 1040 W. Washington St.
This annual event marks the anniversary of the signing in 1948 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a globally accepted set of principles regarding human rights. Each year, Jobs with Justice works with local community leaders to recognize this event. This year especially, we focus on the ways attention to human rights can help remedy gaps in our educational system, and in our economy’s ability to provide decent jobs for all.
This year also marks the first International Human Rights Day since the opening of the Civil Rights Heritage Center. We are pleased to be able to come together in this space, and to remember the human rights advocates who helped us achieve the rights we now enjoy.
We also remember the words of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who asked, “Where do we go from here, chaos or community?” As rising unemployment, extreme inequalities, and growing poverty are fueling insecurity, fear, and the rise of racist and xenophobic sentiments, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides a road map for community.
A panel of local leaders will speak about alternatives to the competitive and individualistic way of organizing our economy, showing that there are ways we can improve access to education and jobs while also fostering stronger and healthier communities. We will also hear perspectives of youth and educators on how the current challenges in our economy demand a human rights approach.
The event also features cultural activities, including the inaugural performance of a newly forming Michiana community human rights choir.
Participants are asked to bring a canned food item for area food banks to help more people in our community realize their right to food and other basic needs.
Co-Sponsors: IU South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center, IU South Bend Labor Studies Program, South Bend Human Rights Commission, St. Joseph Valley Project-Jobs with Justice, Michiana Social Forum, AARP-Indiana, North Central Indiana AFL-CIO, USW Local 1191, IBT 364, La Casa de Amistad, and the Michiana Peace and Justice Coalition.