Originally Posted: September 16, 2016
DALLAS (SMU) – African physician Georges Bwelle, who goes the distance to offer free healthcare for his country’s impoverished,and Carol Brady Houston, a compassionate Plano-based supporter of special-needs children and their families, will be recognized with 2016 Triumph of the Spirit Awards at a music- and art-filled celebration Nov. 16 at the Kessler Theater in Dallas.
Sponsored by SMU’s Embrey Human Rights Program (EHRP), the bi-annual awards reward both an international and local humanitarian with a total of $30,000. The awards and its related festivities are supported by an anonymous donor.
The dynamic “VOICES”-themed event will feature music by former Sudanese child soldier/current hip-hop peace activist, Emmanuel Jal; the smart, gritty country-folk music of Austin-based BettySoo; compelling spoken-word and live-action performances by Journeyman Ink;and mixed-media works created by SMU students and local professionals.
Event tickets, which support human rights programming, start at $50 (via prekindle.com/triumph) for access to a 6 p.m. reception, 7 to 9 p.m. event, catered hors d’oeuvres, cash bar and valet parking. (For information related to discounts for students and others, contact Sherry Aikman at saikman@smu.edu or 214-768-8347.)
“These awards –which put a human face on the struggle for human rights – are unique to SMU and are rarely offered by higher-education institutions. We’re fortunate we’re able to help extraordinary individuals empower marginalized people in innovative ways,” says EHRP Director Rick Halperin. “The event is also designed to revitalize the spirit of the entire Dallas community as we work to build a kinder and more humanitarian city.” READ MORE
