Originally Posted: November 17, 2016
A large crowd gathered at The Kessler Theater Nov. 16 to honor the 2016 winners of the “Triumph of the Spirit” humanitarian awards sponsored by SMU’s Embrey Human Rights Program. In keeping with the evening’s theme, “Voices,” we’re inspired to share a few of those here, as well as some snapshots from the celebration.
“May we honor the courageous tonight — and dignify the human experience through poetry, music and art. May we challenge and embolden all of you to be powerful change-makers in every way possible.”
– Rick Halperin, SMU Embrey Human Rights Program Director
“Academics, advocacy and action. Engaging in all three at SMU has been a true honor.”
– MacKenzie Jenkins, SMU human rights/political studies major“Rick Halperin gave me a bracelet that says, ‘There’s no such thing as a lesser person.’ What a wonderful world this would be if we all followed that.”
– Carol Brady Houston, “Triumph of the Spirit” Local Winner“All the kids we’re credited for changing their lives for the better are actually changing our lives for the better.”
– Dr. Georges Bwelle, “Triumph of the Spirit” Global Winner