FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1, 2021
Contact: Kali Cohn, 972-638-7438, kcohn@hrionline.org
DALLAS – Human Rights Initiative of North Texas (HRI), a Dallas-area non-profit organization, will be ringing in this International Human Rights Day on December 10, 2021, with the celebration RYHO21: Stories from the HeART at Dallas’s Kimpton Pittman Hotel (2551 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75226) from 7:00pm to 9:30pm. RYHO21 is a unique night centered in Story: alongside live music from Thiago Nacsimento, dancing from Alpana Jacobs Company, and live storytelling from performers Stormi Demerson and Cheyenne Farley, HRI will unveil limited-edition art prints and merchandise that interpret the journeys of former HRI clients.
“We’re honored to come together with the DFW community to celebrate International Human Rights Day in this way,” said HRI’s Executive Director, Bill Holston. “Human Rights Day, which commemorates the day the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted, is a moment to celebrate the inherent dignity of each and every one of us, including the immigrants and refugees who HRI serves.”
HRI’s courageous and resilient clients have come to the U.S. from all over the world to seek safety from persecution, torture, domestic violence and abuse. All proceeds from the event support HRI’s mission to provide 100% free legal and social services to its clients. Tickets, which include heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open beer and wine bar, are available at https://tinyurl.com/HRIStories.
The event will also publicly honor the three 2021 winners of HRI’s annual Angel of Freedom award, which celebrates the unsung heroes of human rights work in Dallas. This year’s awardees are Dora Dowell, a domestic violence advocate; the G. Rollie White Trust, which has invested in critical legal work; and the Giving Fridge, which partners with organizations to provide convenient access to grab-and-go grocery items to those in need.
“We hope that our services are meeting the needs of people where they are at,” said Adeeb Masood of The Giving Fridge. “HRI fills such a huge gap for those suffering from human rights violations and what better way to support them and their families by providing access to free perishable groceries.”
During the event, GratiFILM will present a brief look at the history of HRI’s Angel of Freedom award and this year’s honorees. Dallas filmmaker and photographer Christian Vasquez will premiere a brand-new short sharing the 21 years of HRI’s history.
“As our organization turns 21, we’re reflecting on what our work over the last two decades has meant and what it means to ‘come of age’ in a time and place that has hyper-politicized the immigrant experience,” said Maryam Baig, HRI’s Director of Marketing and Special Events. “In response, we are celebrating the joy, strength and community of our immigrant communities on this special day.”
A Meet & Greet beginning at 7:00 p.m. will give guests the opportunity to meet the RYHO21 artists and Angel of Freedom honorees.
About Human Rights Initiative of North Texas
For over 20 years, Human Rights Initiative of North Texas has provided legal and critical social services for immigrant survivors of human rights abuses from all over the world. For more information, visit www.hrionline.org.
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