October, 2004

CITY OF LOS ANGELES PROCLAIMS
YOUTH FOR HUMAN RIGHTS DAY INTERNATIONAL

Rabbi Allen Freehling ED of LA Human Relations Commission and representing Mayor's Office.

CELEBRATION AND INTERSCHOLASTIC
YOUTH SUMMIT

On October 1, 2004, the first annual Youth for Human Rights Day International was proclaimed at Los Angeles City Hall in an event jointly organized by Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI), the International Foundation for Human Rights and Tolerance and the Church of Scientology International. City officials, religious and human rights leaders and prominent artists made this a day to remember for the 600 young pupils from nine schools who attended.

Lynsey Bartilson, star of Grounded for Life, was the MC

Some of the pupils with their banners

Micheltorena Street School: Principal Brenda Lara
Mayberry Street School: Asst Principal Reyna Corral
New Horizon School: Principal Shahida Alikhan
Shuttleworth Academy: Principal Polly Matthes
Cheremoya Elementary School: Principal Chris Stehr
Los Feliz Elementary School: Principal Betty Castenada
Coliseum Elementary School: Principal Zo Jefferson
Renaissance Academy: Principal Ann Hazen
Kittridge Elementary School: Teacher Glenda Bensussen

The day’s events opened with the proclamation of Youth for Human Rights Day International on the south steps of City Hall and continued with an Interscholastic Youth Summit inside the building.

Perry Middle School Drum Band

A 20-man award-winning drum band from Perry Middle School in the Greater Los Angeles area began the ceremonies, following by a fine three part acappella rendering of The Star-Spangled Banner performed by Dominic Domingo, Jefferey Sanders and Ross Heintzkill. Two young artists, Justine Spraque and Chelsea Alden, sang “You’re the Voice,” while Joy Grayson performed “Greater than the Sun.”

Mr. Sheeraz Hasan Tinseltown TV

Speakers included Los Angeles City Council member Martin Ludlow, Mr. Sheeraz Hasan, President, Tinseltown TV and a YHRI Global Ambassador, a representative of Councilman Tom LaBonge, Ms. Eliane DeLeon from Councilmember Wendy Greuel’s office, Mr. Josh Kamensky from Councilman Eric Garcetti’s office, Mr. James Koopman from Congresswomen Diane Watson’s office and Rabbi Allan Freehling, the Executive Director of the Los Angeles Human Relations Commission.

Councilman Ludlow gave a heartfelt speech about the value of human rights and how as a young African-American he had personally experienced discrimination.

Councilman Martin Ludlow

Representative for Councilwoman Wendy Greuel

Michelle Seward, Pres Int'l Foundation for HR and Tolerance

Mary Shuttleworth, Director, Youth for Human Rights International, Michelle Seward, President, International Foundation for Human Rights and Tolerance, and Leisa Goodman, Human Rights Director, Church of Scientology International, also spoke.
Ms. Goodman congratulated the City of Los Angeles for setting a fine example in promoting human rights and said that her church has made a commitment to make Los Angeles the greatest human rights city in the world.

The Council members or their representatives presented Certificates of Recognition to the principals or teachers from each school, in acknowledgement of their efforts to educate their pupils in human rights.

The highlight of the event was a presentation from Rabbi Freehling of a Proclamation from Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn, officially declaring October 1st as Youth for Human Rights International Day.

The celebration ended with all 600 students joining singer Shannon Roberts and young rapper Lai Lai for the song, “Free and Equal.”

The Interscholastic Youth Summit

The students then took part in an Interscholastic Youth Summit followed, at which speaks included Rabbi Freehling and Ms. Donna Smith, Valley Deputy for Board of Education member John Lauritzen. The summit featured a contest in which the pupils wrote essays about the importance of human rights. Names of the winners from each school were Michael, Aaliyah, Yanet, David and Ani, Diamante, Rubee, Samah, Emily and Cameron.

The celebration and human rights summit created an atmosphere of excitement for human rights and interest in future work to develop further human rights initiatives.

Rabbi Freehling speaking at the Interscholastic Youth Summit

Dominic Domingo, Ross Heintzkill and Jefferey Sanders singing Star Spangled Banner

Leisa Goodman, Human Rights Director, Church of Scientology International

Mary Shuttleworth, Director, Youth for Human Rights International