CLEARWATER, Fla., Feb. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Saturday, February, 18^th, United for Human Rights (UHR) hosted over 300 guests from all across Tampa Bay at the Historic Fort Harrison in downtown Clearwater, for dinner and a concert commemorating Black History Month. Gracia Bennish, President of UHR was the MC, Ms. Patricia Newton, Human Rights Investigator for Tampa’s Housing and Community Development Division Human Rights Office, was the guest speaker and international artists Nathan Mitchell and Gisele Jackson performed in concert backed by the Church of Scientology’s Flag Band.

International artists, Gisele Jackson and Nathan Mitchell, perform in celebration of Black History Month at United for Human Rights concert at the Church of Scientology's Fort Harrison on Saturday 18th February

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/87637921-103a-4b94-93ec-5db3eedf09db

Gracia Bennish said, “Because we are unconditional supporters of human rights, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is fitting and an honor that we speak out in support of African American achievements.”   

Patricia Newton stirred the audience with her speech on growing up in Florida as a “little colored girl” and being inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and President John F. Kennedy, leaders who died for their belief in human rights for all.

Ms. Newton said, “I believe that our Human Rights are God given."  Then she got the audience to their feet, repeating after her, “Voices together in kindness and strength are heard.”

Opening the concert was Nathan Mitchell, entertainer, musician and singer whose style includes Jazz, Soul and Gospel. He packed the dance floor with Al Green’s classic, “Take me to the River” followed by Otis Redding’s “Try a Little Tenderness.”

Gisele Jackson followed with her five-octave vocal range and electric energy and brought the house down with The Weather Girls’ classic, “It’s Raining Men”. Billboard magazine called Ms. Jackson a “diva”.  Her club-classic, “Love Commandments”, reached No. 3 on Billboard’s dance chart.

United for Human Rights (UHR)
UHR is a non-profit organization that assists and unites individuals, educators, organizations and governmental bodies at all levels around the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). They distribute educational materials which are used in schools, churches, and various civic groups to educate children and adults on UDHR.  The materials are created in collaboration with the Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology International. L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology inspired the movement saying, "Human Rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream." 

FOR MORE INFORMATION
CONTACT:  Gracia Bennish 727-942-4669, 
or Cristian Vargas 727- 265-7479