16th Annual Human Rights Institute Conference Program

Welcome to the 16th Annual Human Rights Institute Conference at Kean University:
Freedom, Justice and Equality for All: One person can make a difference! 

View a PDF of the conference program

As the title of this year’s conference states, one person can make an impact on the world. Today’s event celebrates the 75th Anniversary of the historic Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Our speakers will share how you can impact your community and the world. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights arose in the aftermath of World War II, which is known as the deadliest military conflict in human history. This war caused profound atrocities that took the lives of tens of millions of people worldwide. In its aftermath and the subsequent founding of the United Nations, a diverse group of representatives from countries around the globe came together to proclaim that ALL humans have the right to live life freely and without persecution.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights combined both Eastern and Western ideas into a document that outlined the human rights that exist simply because we are human beings. These rights are not granted by any country or government or ideological structure but are inherent to every human being. The document was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, constituting the first international legal document to set out fundamental human rights for universal protection. The document is composed of 30 articles and can be viewed at www.ohchr.org/en/universal-declaration-of-human-rights.

Take time after today’s conference to reflect on the rights that you have as a human being and ways that you can make a positive contribution as an Upstander in your community or the world. This can be as simple as helping an elderly neighbor with a repair on their house, volunteering to support a local food pantry, or tutoring a young person in math. You can make a positive difference locally or globally, the journey to making a difference starts with a first step.

As New Jersey’s urban research university and an anchor institution for the region, Kean University supports our students and staff in creating new ways to serve our state and local communities. Join us in uplifting our state, country and world by using today’s conversations to consider new ways (big or small) you can make a positive impact in your community.

Introduction

John C. Raue, MPA, CPM
Assistant Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Human Rights Institute

Presidential Welcome and Remarks

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.
President, Kean University

Opening Remarks

Felice K. Vazquez, Esq.
Senior Vice President for Planning and Special Counsel to the President 

Introduction of Speaker John Prendergast

Introduced by Robin Landa, MFA 

John Prendergast
New York Times best-selling author and co-founder, with actor George Clooney, of the human rights organization The Sentry

Introduction of Speaker Sophia Kianni

Introduced by Daniela Shebitz, Ph.D. 

Sophia Kianni
Founder of Climate Cardinals, Iranian-American climate change activist and the youngest appointed United Nations advisor

Audience Engagement Activity 

Introduction and Speaker Ndaba Thembekile Mandela

Introduced by Sancha Gray, Ed.D.

Ndaba Mandela
Grandson of former South African President Nelson Mandela, Co-founder & Chairman of Africa Rising Foundation, author and one of BET’s “28 Men of Change”

Awards Presentation Ceremony 

• Outstanding Human Rights Activist Award
• Outstanding Young Human Rights Activist Award
• Outstanding Student Human Rights Activist Award 
• Dr. Hank Kaplowitz Outstanding Human Rights Educator Award
• Outstanding Human Rights School Community of the Year Award

Closing Remarks and Call to Action 

Felice K. Vazquez, Esq.
Senior Vice President for Planning and Special Counsel to the President 
 

• Ndaba Mandela, Outstanding Human Rights Activist Award 
• Sophia Kianni, Outstanding Youth Human Rights Activist Award 
• Sara Mora, Outstanding Student Human Rights Activist Award 
• Tamika A. Pollins, Ed.D., The Dr. Hank Kaplowitz Outstanding Human Rights Educator Award
• Team Harmony of Randolph Township High School, Outstanding Human Rights School Community of the Year Award