Anita G. Arnold, executive director of Black Liberated Arts Center (BLAC), Inc., has announced that Geoffrey Canada, nationally known child advocate who founded Harlem Children’s Zone will speak from 1 to 3 p.m. April 28 at the Petroleum Club, 4040 N. Lincoln Blvd. 2nd floor, in Oklahoma City. Tickets are $40. No tickets will be sold at the door, and seating is limited.
Canada is known for helping impoverished, at-risk youth beat the odds. Canada’s programs are on the cutting edge of preventing youth violence and fostering community development. He transformed a 24-block area in Harlem, NY, and developed a network of services that has helped more than 10,000 children.
The 2010 Brock Prize Laureate was presented a $40,000 award for excellence in education by Oklahoma University President David Boren and Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis at Tulsa University. Canada is also a recipient of the Heinz Award which carries a $250,000 prize. Canada has appeared on numerous television shows including “60 Minutes” and “The Colbert Report.” He is also seen in an American Express television commercial that speaks of his ground-breaking work.
Arnold said in a news release, “Oklahoma City is fortunate to have Mr. Canada come to share his experiences. Anyone who is serious about changing the lives of children and profoundly changing communities should be there. There is no one in America more qualified to address the issues of America’s children. Mr. Canada knows what he is talking about. He has lived it, written about it, inspired children and showed them how to succeed using his resources for their good. We need to listen.”
BLAC, Inc., Enid Public Schools, Mid-Del Schools and Oklahoma City Public Schools will host the event. For more information, call BLAC, Inc. at (405) 524-3800.