Sailing Charity and Film Production Company Partner to Support New Human Rights Mural in Red Hook, Brooklyn

 

Carry Knoops of Miles4Justice and Boris Dittrich of Human Rights Watch present Groundswell Director Amy Sananman with a check for $30,000. Photo Courtesy of Richard DeKlerk

 

Miles4Justice, a unique charity that fundraises to support the cause of human rights around the world, sailed into Brooklyn on Saturday to donate funding for a new mural project. Miles4Justice was started by two leading human rights lawyers in the Netherlands, Carry and Geert Jan Knoops. As part of the NY400 celebrations, their team sailed into Hudson Bay to deliver a check to Groundswell Community Mural Project for a new mural focusing on Human Rights to be painted in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

The $30,000 check was presented to Groundswell Executive Director Amy Sanaman by the crew of Miles4Justice. Richard de Klerk, the star of the movie Cole, now premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, also presented Groundswell with a check for $10,000. Richard’s film production company, Rampart Films, are partnering with Miles4Justice to make this project possible. Boris Dittrich, from Human Rights Watch, spoke of the importance of recognizing the histories of human rights and tolerance shared by New York and Amsterdam. Nazli Parvizi, NYC Community Affairs Commissioner, introduced the afternoon’s proceedings, and representatives from the Mayors Office of Amsterdam were also present for the ceremony.

Carry Knoops commented: "I can think of no better reason to sail 1000 miles in terrible weather than to deliver a check to Groundswell Community Mural Project to realize a project that will highlight our shared heritage of tolerance and human rights."

Richard de Klerk added that: "Groundswell Community Mural Project is inspirational and brings hope to so many people, young and old. It gives me and Rampart Films great pleasure to help them continue their great work."

Mayor of Amsterdam, Job Cohen, who was not able to attend the ceremony, also voiced his support for the project: "This mural is a wonderful way to remind us all of the strong bond that connects Amsterdam and New York - the principles of tolerance and multiculturalism are key to both of our cities and I am sure Groundswell will create something that the people of New York can enjoy for many years to come."
 
Amy Sananman, Groundswell's Executive Director, said that: "This partnership provides an opportune synergy to communicate the values of tolerance and justice through art."
 
The year-long mural project will begin this fall with an educational curriculum for the youth artists and community feedback forums.  Design workshops will commence during spring 2010, and the mural will be painted in Red Hook during the summer.

To read the Press Release click here.