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Anne Sweeney from Disney/ABC Television Group honored at 2013 HRC Los Angeles Gala Dinner hosted by Tom Bergeron

City of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa makes his last appearance at 2013 HRC LA Gala. Make Equality Count and Prop. 8 and DOMA was one of the main topic discussed at the 2013 Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Gala Dinner event.

On Saturday, March 23, 2013 The Human Rights Campaign held their number one fundraising event The 2013 Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Gala Dinner at the JW Marriott L.A. Live Hotel 900 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Honoree Anne Sweeney is co-chair, Disney Media Networks, and president, Disney/ABC Television Group, which includes The Walt Disney Company’s global entertainment and news television properties, owned television stations group, as well as radio and publishing businesses. For more information visit The Walt Disney Company.

Make Equality Count and Prop. 8 and DOMA was one of the main topic issues at the event. As well to recognize Ally’s of Equality such as City of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and to honor Disney/ABC Television Group with the Corporate Equality Award for the company’s support of equality for the LGBT community. The award was presented to the company’s president, Anne Sweeney.

Some of the event program celebrities, politicians and special guests included:
Kris Perry & Sandy Stier and Paul Katami & Jeff Zarrillo, Christine Gregoire, Mark Takano, Anne Sweeney, Rob Reiner, Tom Bergeron, Kerry Washington and Chad Griffin. The event dinner co-chairs were Ted Holmquist & Gwen Baba.

No slides are available.

The 2013 Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Gala Dinner featured special guests and celebrities arrivals, dinner, gift bag, award presentation. Also inspirational and supporting speeches on Marriage Equality to win Prop. 8 and DOMA in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is schedule to hear arguments on both the Defense of Marriage Act and California’s Prop 8. Prop. 8 case, Hollingsworth v. Perry on Tuesday, March 26 and Defense of Marriage Act on Wednesday, March 27, 2013.

Supporters and activists expect a ruling on this discriminatory law by next June. If the Supreme Court decides in favor of equality, more than a quarter of Americans will live in states where LGBT couples can marry legally. And if they rule DOMA unconstitutional, every single one of those couples will have the same federal rights and benefits of marriage as heterosexual couples.

About The Human Rights Campaign:
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. For more information visit http://www.hrc.org/

About The Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Steering Committee:
The Los Angeles Steering Committee of the Human Rights Campaign is a diverse volunteer group of individuals working each and every day to bring the mission of HRC to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender and straight-supportive people in this area. For more information visit http://hrcladinner.com/about_us.html

Source: HRC

Photos credit to: Alireza Kia/Alireza Kia Photography for Diversity News Magazine.

Editor’s Note: We want to thanks HRC for allowing Diversity News Magazine and Diversity News teams to cover the 2013 Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Gala Dinner, a very well organized and important event.

VIDEO: $1 Million Reward Offered in Dorner Case

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Former 39th President of the United States Jimmy Carter to Address 2012 Democratic National Convention

CHARLOTTE – On August 7, 2012 The Democratic National Convention Committee and Obama for America announced that former President Jimmy Carter will address the 2012 Democratic National Convention by video this September.  President Carter’s message, including unique insights about President Obama as a global leader, will be played at Time Warner Cable Arena on Tuesday, September 4, in prime time.

“President Carter is one of the greatest humanitarian leaders of our time and a champion of democracy around the globe,” said 2012 Democratic National Convention Chair Antonio Villaraigosa. “A lifelong champion of human rights and investments in education and energy to spur economic development, President Carter will provide unique insight into President Obama’s ability to move our country forward and why we need his vision and leadership for a second term. President Obama is fighting for the next steps in our nation’s economic recovery, to reclaim America’s promise on behalf of hard-workers, the strivers, the dreamers, who ask only for a fair shot and a fair shake.”

“Rosalynn and I regret that we will be unable to be at the Democratic Convention this year in Charlotte.  However, we remain steadfast in our support for President Obama and the progress he will make in the next four years,” President Carter said.

The DNCC has previously announced that First Lady Michelle Obama and San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, they keynote speaker, will address the convention on its opening night, Tuesday, September 4, at Time Warner Cable Arena. Former President Bill Clinton and Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren will deliver speeches on the second night, Wednesday, September 5, at the arena. Both President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will deliver their acceptance speeches on the final night of the convention, Thursday, September 6, at Bank of America Stadium.

The DNCC will unveil additional convention program details and speakers in the coming weeks.

ABOUT PRESIDENT CARTER:
Jimmy Carter (James Earl Carter, Jr.) is the thirty-ninth president of the United States, serving from January 20, 1977 to January 20, 1981. Significant foreign policy accomplishments of his administration included the Panama Canal treaties, the Camp David Accords, the treaty of peace between Egypt and Israel, the SALT II treaty with the Soviet Union, and the establishment of U.S. diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. He championed human rights throughout the world and kept the nation at peace. On the domestic side, the administration’s achievements included a comprehensive energy program conducted by a new Department of Energy; deregulation in energy, transportation, communications, and finance; major educational programs under a new Department of Education; and major environmental protection legislation, including the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.

Since leaving office, President Carter continued to champion human rights throughout the world, through the not-for-profit Carter Center. On December 10, 2002, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2002 to Mr. Carter “for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.”

ABOUT THE DNCC:
The 2012 Democratic National Convention Committee is a not-for-profit organization responsible for planning and executing the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, the week of September 3, 2012.

Source: demconvention.com
Photos credit to: Facebook, Wikipedia

Chad Griffin Named Human Rights Campaign Organization’s President

On Friday, March 2, 2012 The Human Rights Campaign announced that Chad H. Griffin was appointed as the next president of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, by the organization’s Board of Directors. Griffin, a national communications and policy strategist, is widely credited for being the mastermind behind the federal lawsuit to overturn California’s Proposition 8, which has now been ruled unconstitutional by two federal courts.

Griffin’s appointment follows an extensive six month search by the board that included the consideration of over one hundred diverse and extremely well-qualified candidates from the worlds of business, academia and activism. Griffin will assume his new responsibilities on June 11, 2012. Current HRC president Joe Solmonese will continue to lead the organization until that time.

The founding partner of strategic communications and campaign firm, Griffin|Schein, Griffin has taken on entrenched, well-financed interests like Big Tobacco, Big Oil and the far right, and shaped national policy debates around equal rights, clean energy, universal health care, stem cell research, and early childhood education. He has also led groundbreaking ballot initiative campaigns including the largest ballot initiative ever recorded, Proposition 87: California’s Clean Alternative Energy Initiative; the Proposition 10 campaign, which generates $600 million a year for early childhood education; and Proposition 71, which secured billions of dollars for stem cell research despite the Bush Administration ban.

Griffin is a founding board member of the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER), the sole sponsor of the Prop. 8 lawsuit.  He is personally responsible for recruiting the legal dream team of Theodore Olson and David Boies to successfully argue the case. Griffin will remain on the board of directors of AFER.

A veteran of the Clinton White House communications team, and a native of Arkansas, Griffin was highly motivated by young people in taking this new endeavor. “All over this country in big cities and small towns, there are families and young people who long to be accepted for who they are, and who want be treated with the same dignity and respect as everyone else,” said Griffin. “I’m honored by the board’s confidence in my ability to lead HRC. While there’s no doubt that we’ve made tremendous progress on the road to equality, we must not forget that millions of LGBT Americans still lack basic legal protections and suffer the consequences of discrimination every day. Today’s generation of young people, and each generation hereafter, must grow up with the full and equal protection of our laws, and finally be free to participate in the American dream. As HRC president, I’ll approach our work with a great sense of urgency because there are real life consequences to inaction.”

HRC Co-Chair Tim Downing and HRC Foundation Co-Chair Sandra Hartness spoke on behalf of their colleagues on the Board of Directors, “We’re ecstatic to have someone of Chad’s caliber as our next president. His superior credentials and achievements, both as a visionary and strategist, make him uniquely qualified to lead this organization forward. Chad has a proven track record of consistently delivering results during his career. That’s something that our community rightly expects and deserves.”

With over a million members and supporters, HRC works to secure equal rights for LGBT individuals and families at the local, state and federal levels by mobilizing grassroots supporters, lobbying elected officials, proactively educating and changing the hearts and minds of fair-minded Americans, and investing strategically to elect fair-minded officials. Founded in 1980, HRC seeks to improve the lives of LGBT Americans by advocating for equal rights and benefits in the workplace, ensuring families are treated equally under the law and increasing public support among all Americans through innovative advocacy, education and outreach programs.

HRC consists of two separate non-profit organizations: the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that focuses on research, advocacy and education and the Human Rights Campaign, a 501(c)(4) organization that focuses on lobbying Congress, state and local officials for support of pro-LGBT bills, and mobilizing grassroots action amongst its members. The combined annual budget of both organizations was approximately $40 million in 2011.

Professional colleagues and friends have been unanimous in their praise of Griffin’s appointment (some of them are):

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid:

“I congratulate Chad Griffin on his appointment as the new President of HRC. I’m confident Chad will continue to provide the strong leadership that HRC has become known for here in Washington. I’m proud to count myself as a strong supporter of issues important to the LGBT community and look forward to working with Chad and HRC to advance these issues.”

Julian Bond, Chairman Emeritus, NAACP:

“Chad Griffin is a great choice – he is a major leader in the fight for equality. HRC has staged a coup!”

Anthony Romero, Executive Director, ACLU:

“Chad’s appointment to the Human Rights Campaign comes at a historic time for LGBT equality.  Chad is exactly the right person to lead the organization at this incredible time.  He has courage, passion, dynamism and a willingness to push tough issues forward in a thoughtful and strategic manner.”

Antonio Villaraigosa, Mayor of the City of Los Angeles:

“Congratulations to Chad Griffin! There is no better person than Chad to take the helm of the Human Rights Campaign. Chad has proven he is a bold, insightful leader, and that is why I honored him with the Dream of Los Angeles Award during the City of Los Angeles’ first ever LGBT Heritage Month last year. I have every confidence that his fearless, deft and innovative approach to politics and problem solving will ensure HRC continues to lead the way.”

About The Human Rights Campaign (HRC):
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

Sources: http://www.hrc.org, & LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Facebook
Photo credit to: http://www.hrc.org

Editor’s Note: Here at Diversity News Magazine published by Diversity News Publications we want to congratulate Chad Griffin and to wish him the best with HRC. Also thank you to Joe Solmonese for leading the organization for many years.

Student Filmmaker’s, Civic & Visionary Honorees Honored at 19th Annual MMPA Oscar Week

On Friday, February 24, 2012 The Multicultural Motion Picture Association hosted their 19th Annual Oscar Week Student Filmmaker’s Scholarship Luncheon and Civic Awards.  The lunch and award show was hosted by Radio and TV Personality Sam Phillips.

The event was held at Sofitel Los Angeles from11:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The Civic and Visionary Honorees for the 19th Annual MMPA Oscar Week Student Filmmaker’s Scholarship Luncheon and Civic Awards Recipients are Viola Davis (2012 Oscar Nominee), Octavia Spencer (2012 Oscar Nominee), Kami Zargham McAdam (Award Winning Photograher/Filmmaker), Bobbie Chance (Actress/Acting Coach) and George Zakk (Producer). The Student Filmmaker’s Finalists from The LA Film School are: William Rouse, Justin Benson, Jamel Benson, Anthony Mitchell, Daemon Stashko, Yoshi Tran and Joseph Schmitz.

The Student Filmmakers and honorees present made public speeches of appreciation and including Academy Award Nominee Sally Kirkland did a speech at the event.

Pam Schmid (Actor, speaker, author), Recording Artist Fawn, book author John Palisano, Recording Artist Arnold G, Actress Bai Ling were among the notable guests at the event.

There was live entertainment performance by Recording Artist Izzy Chait and Band, a red carpet, scholarship and civic awards presentation, lunch and official gift bags.

As a part of the annual afternoon affair, awards are presented annually, to filmmakers selected for their creative achievements, vision and technical talent, and in addition to financial awards toward their tuition, film companies traditionally arrange gifts of technical support for scholarship recipients.

In previous year honorees were Oscar Winner Sandra Bullock, Academy Award Winner Louis Gossett Jr., Oscar Nominee Ruby Dee, Academy Nominee Sally Kirkland, Kate Linder (Actress, Philanthropist), Renee’ Valente (Producer, Valente Productions), Michelle Phillips (Actress, Singer) and A.C. Lyles (Paramount Pictures).

Some of the event sponsors were American Society of Young Musicians, Sofitel LA Luxury Hotels, World Wide Vital Marketing and Public Relations, Diversity News Magazine, A&G Entertainment Productions, Hot Talk LA, Rose Breast Cancer Society, Sherwood Florist and many more.

Some of The Multicultural Motion Picture Association executive committee are: Rita Moreno, Rupert Murdoch, Edward James Olmos, Oliver Stone, Sally Kirkland, Dr. Mark Valinsky and City of Los Angeles Mayor Honorable Antonio Villaraigosa.

About The Multicultural Motion Picture Association: 
The MMPA is a 501 © 3 non-profit* arts organization that provides scholarships annually to a certain number of qualified film students and trade guild apprentices who have shown dedication and talent for furthering their studies in the cinematic arts. The MMPA’s annual Oscar Week Luncheon is always a highly anticipated afternoon event amid sumptuous mid-day dining where talented young filmmakers intermingle with Academy Award® nominees and studio executives. The MMPA utilizes committed individuals who bring their skills and commitment to schools, as well as youth and civic organizations, where teens and young adults need career mentoring, coupled with equipment and technical support. The Multicultural Motion Picture Association is also the producer of the Diversity Awards. For more information visit http://www.thediversityawards.org

*Not a verified charity organization, please check with your State Attorney General and Secretary of State for non profit status.

Sources: Diversity News Magazine, Diversity News TV & World Wide Vital Marketing and Public Relations

Photo credit to: Carlos Zeron and Sonny Sun for Diversity News Magazine & Diversity News Publications.

Editor’s Note: Diversity News Magazine published by Diversity News Publications was the event official media partner sponsor and World Wide Vital Marketing and Public Relations as the media event coordinator providing marketing and public relations services.