Princeton Prize in Race Relations Awarded to Memphis Student

A Facing History and Ourselves student in Memphis, Tennessee, has been awarded the 2012 Princeton University Prize in Race Relations. Houston High School senior Sarah Naids received the award for her work establishing a diversity lecture series at her school.

With the help of her Facing History teacher, Michael Robinson, Naids hosted six lectures on topics ranging from Islam to apartheid in South Africa.

“I asked myself how I could begin to remove the obstacle of bigotry. Combating ignorance, I believed, was the first step,” Naids wrote in the Commercial Appeal last week. “I set out to do precisely that – to stand up, to cause change, and not merely to wonder why I experienced such intolerance and discrimination.”

Additional talks on women’s rights and the treatment of the physically and mentally disabled are still to come.

The Princeton University Prize in Race Relations was established in the 2003/2004 academic year to recognize, support, and encourage young people across the country who demonstrate a commitment to advancing the cause of positive race relations. A recognition ceremony for Naids will be held on May 22 at the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis.

Read “Removing Walls Against ‘Outsiders,’” by Sarah Naids, in the Commercial Appeal.

Learn more about our work in Memphis.