Manuel Victor Frederick (left), Euzhan Palcy (center) and Andrew Cliff Divine (right) doing the #Connect movement peace chain gesture. ©AMPAS
MEDIA ADVISORY
Los Angeles, CA (December 6, 2022) — Andrew Cliff Divine and Manuel Victor Frederick, co-founders of the globally recognized #Connect movement, will visit KIPP Philosophers Academy in Watts with Oscar-winning director Euzhan Palcy to promote the importance of human connectivity and create a "peace chain" with students. The students will also participate in a Q&A session with Palcy.
When: Friday, December 9, 2022, from 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Where: KIPP Philosophers Academy — 1999 E 102nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90002
Photo/Video Opportunities: About 180 students (grades 5-8) will be participating in the peace chain, and about 30 students (grades 5-8) will have an opportunity to take a professional photo with Palcy's Oscar trophy.
Euzhan Palcy holding her Oscar trophy on stage. ©AMPAS
Why: Palcy is the first Black female director to win an Oscar and the Godmother of the #Connect movement since its beginning in 2016, which she honored during her Oscar acceptance speech by making the #Connect peace chain gesture on stage at the Oscars 2023.
Euzhan Palcy (left), Viola Davis (center) and Academy gentleman (right) doing the #Connect peace chain gesture. ⓒAMPAS
During the Q&A, Palcy will share her words as a pioneering Black female director and the obstacles she overcame to make her colorful movies possible when it was judged impossible at the time. She will then introduce the #Connect co-founders, who will talk to students about the importance of believing in challenging ideas that have the power to bring positive change and peace despite all the critics and obstacles.
Kids doing the #Connect peace chain gesture in Denver, Colorado. ⓒ#Connect
Thousands of people from all walks of life have participated in peace chains around the world. The #Connect movement has also traveled to all 50 U.S. States to spread peace and demonstrate the importance of Human Connectivity through their palm-to-palm gesture.
Vice President Kamala Harris doing the #Connect peace chain gesture with its co-founders. ⓒ#Connect
The #Connect movement has been endorsed and connected with celebrities and political and social leaders, such as John Lewis, Kamala Harris, Lisa Murkowski, Herbie Hancock, Chadwick Boseman, Viola Davis, Jordan Peele, Woody Harrelson, Cornel West, Jude Law, Idris Elba, Elizabeth Warren, Gavin Newsom, Barack Obama and many more. The #Connect movement is excited to bring the vision of achieving wonders and magic to the community of Watts on the eve of this holiday season.
People doing the #Connect peace chain gesture at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. ©#Connect
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About KIPP SoCal Public Schools
KIPP SoCal Public Schools is a nonprofit organization that operates 24 tuition-free, open-enrollment charter public schools, grades TK-8, within 20 Local Education Agencies. KIPP SoCal's award-winning schools educate students with a whole-child approach to learning and support over 10,000 students and 6,800 alumni to and through college.
KIPP SoCal Public Schools have won three National Blue Ribbon School awards, nine California Distinguished School awards, nine U.S. News & World Report "Best Schools" across the country awards, and 11 Top LA County Public School awards.
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KIPP SoCal Media Relations
Contact: Stephanie Salazar
press@kippsocal.org, 213-312-5086