Growing up in California’s Silicon Valley, African-American Derrick León Washington took note of the socio-economic disparity around him, and knew early on, there was something unjust about what he saw.

Given the opportunity to explore dance as a teenager, he saw most weren’t so lucky, leading him on a mission to explore how he could be of service to his community and beyond.

In this UN News Lid is On podcast hosted by Natalie Hutchison – part of our coverage marking the 20th anniversary of the milestone declaration against racism signed in Durban, South Africa – Derrick shares his trajectory from shy and curious youngster, to professional anthropologist, and his recent work as a senior human rights fellow here at the United Nations.

This post was originally published on UN News.