Sussan Tahmasebi, ICAN’s co-founder and Director of MENA/Asia program, will be honored by the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, with the Power to Inspire Award.  An awards dinner will be held on May 5 to honor Tahmasebi as a global change maker. The National Center for Civil and Human Rights annual award recognizes trailblazing leaders from Atlanta, the nation and around the globe who have dedicated their lives to a more equal and just world. Others being honored this year include: the Rev. Joseph and late Evelyn Lowery, leading activists of the civil rights movement in the US and Sherry Frank, civil rights activist based in Atlanta. Learn more about the 2016 award recipients here.

On May 4, 2016, and in the lead up to the Tribute Dinner, Sussan Tahmasebi will participate in the Center’s Human Rights Summit, where she will discuss her work and the situation of women human rights defenders in the MENA region and participate in a reception in honor of award recipients.

Sussan’s work as a woman human rights defender advocating for women’s rights is featured in the Exhibit “Spark of Conviction” focused on the Global Human Rights Movement, curated by Jill Savvit. The Center for Civil and Human Rights in downtown Atlanta is an engaging cultural attraction that connects the American Civil Rights Movement to today’s Global Human Rights Movements. It’s purpose is to create a safe space for visitors to explore the fundamental rights of all human beings so that they leave inspired and empowered to join the ongoing dialogue about human rights in their communities. Read more about the Center here.