Human Rights Activist Prendergast Speaks at TAMIU March 29

He's stood side by side with world leaders and he's lead eloquent protests alongside Hollywood luminaries like close friend George Clooney.

On Thursday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m. John Prendergast, best-selling author and world-renowned human rights activist in Africa, will meet with students and community members at Texas A&M International University’s Student Center 203 A&B to share his peace efforts in Sudan and the Republic of the Congo.

Prendergast’s presentation, entitled, “War and Peace: Success Stories in Africa and the Implications for the Congo and Sudan,” is free and open to the public.

Author or co-author of 10 books, including his newest, Unlikely Brothers, Prendergast will make his presentation as part of his visit to TAMIU’s Foundation of Leadership class, said Dr. Barbara Baker, University College instructor, who co-teaches the class with Dr. Carol Waters, associate vice president for academic enrichment and international development.

Baker said she hopes students will become inspired to participate in human rights work after listening to Prendergast’s presentation.

“As part of his work, John has traveled all over the world including Africa, Japan, China and has been a guest lecturer in Egypt,” she said, “I hope students get to see what’s beyond Laredo. That’s all part of being a globally aware, international person,” Baker said.

Prendergast helped launch two campaigns under Enough: the Raise Hope for Congo Campaign, highlighting the issue of conflict minerals that fuel the war there, and Sudan Now, focused on bringing peace to that embattled country.

For more information, please contact Baker at 326.2744, e-mail Barbara.baker@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in Billy Cowart Hall 207A.

Additional University information is available at tamiu.edu and on the University’s Facebook, Google+, Twitter and YouTube sites. A free download of the University’s App for Smartphone and Tablets is available on tamiu.edu

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu