Juan Iglesias

Juan Iglesias - A Human Rights Champion
Oklahoma City
(nominated by Hilda De Leon Xavier)

On December 10th, the Oklahoma Universal Human Rights
Alliance will honor human rights heroes from around our
great state. A recognition program will take place at the
State Capitol. More information about the program
can be found here: "Celebrate Human Rights."

“I believe I support human rights through the art form of dance. Every year a dance piece is created that raises human rights awareness. Such topics have included the human rights in Venezuela, the chaos in Ferguson, Human Trafficking, and the missing students in Ayotzinapa Mexico. Each time a piece is created the students research the topic and are expanding their knowledge of human rights when the dance is performed the audience is educated, and it opens their eyes to the human rights struggles faced not only in other countries but here in Oklahoma as well.

“Here in Oklahoma but especially on the southside, I believe supporting each and every student to be treated equally and fairly, is defining human rights. No child no matter their economic or social status should go without an education and the opportunity to be able to succeed in life. They will not be limited or discriminated against because of their gender, nationality or sexual orientation.”

See a 3-minute video about his work with students at Jefferson Middle School in Oklahoma City: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBnJ5_3A-Zo 


"Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits." 
--Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights