TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Terre Haute Human Rights Day enables students to explore many different topics.
These include food insecurity, economics, human trafficking, and a deep dive into federal, state, and city government. Keynote speaker and Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun explained what he hopes students get out of this experience
“Find one tangible topic or avenue to change the direction of that topic,” said Sakbun. “Find one tangible way to make a difference in this conversation around human rights. It could be volunteering at a food bank, pushing for a more sustainable future, but everyone has their own call to action.”
Kristine Bunch was another presenter who shared her story of being wrongly convicted of arson resulting in death and spending 17 years in prison. She discussed how to create paths for reform and wants students this age to know they can help create change.
“Often times they do not realize that they have just as much impact on the world that the adults do,” said Bunch. “A lot of time they are just going to school and thinking there is nothing they can do because they are too young. Being a part of events like this lets them know that they can do something right now and their vision can be carried through to the future.”
Sakbun added that events like this inspire students to grow and make real change in their communities.
