Carleenpdium_HRAslide

Photo Credit: Rae Louise Breaux

After last week’s 12th Annual Human Rights Awards event – our hearts are full and our determination for radical change and real democracy revitalized.

May 8th was a night to remember! Please find photos from the event on our Facebook page.

We had a great time with everyone who came to the Palace of Fine Arts, and we’re grateful for the support of our donors, sponsors, and volunteers. Together, we helped shine a spotlight on the work of our amazing 2014 honorees: the Freedom Schools, María Estela Barco Huerta, and the Cuban Five.

A big thanks to the evening’s human rights heroes and our special guest, Aisha Fukushima, who moved the audience with her heartfelt spoken word and song performance.

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Accepting the award for the Cuban Five was María Eugenia Guerrero Rodriguez, the sister of Antonio Guerrero. The Global Exchange People’s Choice Award marks the first time these men have received recognition in the U.S., and the first time a family member of the Cuban 5 has spoken publicly in the U.S. on their behalf. Prior to the event, they sent letters to Global Exchange. See María Eugenia Guerrero Rodriguez’s speech on our Vimeo page.

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Photo Credit: Rae Louise Breaux

Sharing her story of struggle and success working to protect the rights of indigenous communities in Chiapas, Mexico, International Honoree María Estela Barco Huerta, moved the audience with her words as she made a passionate call for us all to protect Mother Nature and to be defenders of human rights and dignity. See María Estela Barco Huerta’s speech on our Vimeo page.

Freedom Schools visionary Charlie Cobb and Dream Defenders Executive Director Phillip Agnew both took the stage to accept the Domestic Award for the Freedom Schools. Both channeled the power of history in honoring the struggle for civil rights and demanded that while we commemorate this history, we must recognize that there is still work to be done. See Phillip Agnew and Charlie Cobb’s speech on our Vimeo page.

We took the spirit of these speeches, and rounded out the evening in song with all attendees joining hand-in-hand to sing “We Shall Overcome.”

Bernice Johnson Reagon, legendary songwriter, singer and civil rights advocate, unfortunately was not able to join us on Thursday but sent in remarks.

Besides the inspiring speeches and music, the evening included a silent auction, delicious locally sourced food, wine from Frey Vineyards, and a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream buffet.

We thank all those, once again, who helped make this event a success.  Our work would not be possible without the dedicated support of our members and donors. Not yet a member, or inspired to make an additional gift? – click here to donate today.

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Photo credit: Bill Hackwell

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For those of you in the Bay Area, have you marked your calendars for Tuesday, October 15th yet? Global Exchange is hosting a 25th anniversary benefit concert with hip hop artist Aisha Fukushima at El Rio in San Francisco’s Mission District, a night you won’t want to miss!

Here are the Top 5 Reasons You Won’t Want to Miss it!

Aisha1) It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you to enjoy a live, intimate performance by multi-talented Aisha Fukushima, while supporting Global Exchange’s innovative social justice work

 

 

DJ Jamie Jams Photo Credit: Jamie Jams

DJ Jamie Jams Photo Credit: Jamie Jams

2) DJ Jamie Jams will be in the house, spinning in between sets to keep the music flowing

 

grilled-cheese3) Grilled Cheese!! Barbarian Gourmet will be serving up reasonably priced yummy grilled cheese sandwiches to concert goers

 

Prize-Wheel4) Prize Wheel Spinning: Attendees will have plenty of chances to win prizes thanks to our magic Prize Wheel which will be spinning out prizes including Ben & Jerry’s ice-cream coupons and more

 

margarita5) $4.00 Margaritas thanks to El Rio, a favorite local bar and community gathering space

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Take-ActionTAKE ACTION!

Folks in the CA Bay Area: hope to see you next Tuesday Oct. 15th at El Rio in San Francisco., where ticket prices match your wallet size–(tickets are offered on a sliding scale $5-$20 and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.)

Folks outside of the Bay Area: you can participate in Global Exchange’s Online Prize Drawing happening now, for a chance to win a PUBLIC bike and more great prizes. View prizes and purchase prize drawing tickets online: www.globalexchange.org/prize.

Sips Sweets and Solidarity-3Thank you to all who came out to WineWorks on Sunday for our Sips, Sweets & Solidarity event! It was so great to celebrate 25 years of Activism with some of our supporters.

We hope that those who joined us enjoyed the wine from WineWorks, the Fair Trade chocolate from Alter Eco, and getting to meet fellow activists.

Conversations abounded; topics from Fair Trade, fracking, and Syria to what Global Exchange is working on now, including our Voices of the Victims speaking tour and 25th Anniversary Reality Tour to Oaxaca.

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PUBLIC bike, one of the prizes being given away in Global Exchange’s prize drawing

See photos from the event on Global Exchange’s Facebook page.

25th Anniversary Prize Drawing Tickets are Still Available!

Thanks to those who purchased Prize Drawing tickets at the Sips, Sweets & Solidarity event. If you missed the event you can still participate in our Prize Drawing.

Visit www.globalexchange.org/prize for a chance to win a brand new PUBLIC bike and other awesome prizes. There are a limited number of tickets being sold so your chances of winning are GREAT!

Keep the Celebration Going 
Activism-with-Raptivism

If you want to keep the celebration going, mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 15th at El Rio in San Francisco’s Mission District.

Global Exchange will be hosting a 25th anniversary benefit concert with hip hop artist Aisha Fukushima who just got back from her European tour.

Tickets are sliding scale $5-$20 and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. So hop on over to our Facebook page for event details.