Stand Up For Human Rights Walk In Honor Of International Human Rights Day

On Sunday December 4th, after releasing nine doves of peace, Youth for Human Rights led 175
people from twenty organizations in The Stand Up For Human Rights Walk, starting at the Church of
Scientology Tampa’s Ybor Square courtyard and through Ybor City marking the 68th anniversary of
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Gracia Bennish, President of YHR’s parent organization United for Human Rights was the MC for the
event. Speakers included: Rev. Manuel Sykes, pastor of Bethel Community Baptist Church in St.
Petersburg; Mr. Juan Jose Sabines, the Mexican Consul of Orlando; and Ms. Julianne Holt, the
Hillsborough County Public Defender.
Niko Papaheraklis, the President of Youth for Human Rights (YHR) Florida led the walk, with six
youth carrying the YHR banner. Entities represented included: The City of Tampa, Brothers United
Building Brothers Alliance, Bikers Against Human Trafficking, Project Link, Florida Coalition Against
Human Trafficking, The Gentleman’s Course, and others.
Mr. Anthony Carswell, the Chair of the Commission of Human Rights for the City of Tampa, spoke on
how all citizens need to come together to fight for human rights and inclusion of all races and beliefs.
He then read a proclamation honoring International Human Rights Day from Bob Buckhorn, the
Mayor of Tampa.
Youth for Human Rights also received a proclamation from the Mayor of St. Petersburg and a letter of
appreciation from State Representative Chris Latvala.
Mayor Rick Kriseman of St. Petersburg acknowledged the work of both Youth for Human Rights and
United for Human Rights in his proclamation and named December 4th “Stand Up For Human Rights
Day.” (GLOBE NEWSWIRE)