On February 19, 2025, at 3:00 pm, the esteemed Frederick Douglass Human Rights Lecture will feature the remarkable Jason De León. Serving as the Director of the Cotsen Institute of Archaeology at UCLA, De León holds several prestigious titles, including the Loyd E. Cotsen Endowed Chair of Archaeology and Professor of Anthropology and Chicana/o and Central American Studies.
As the Executive Director of the Undocumented Migration Project (UMP), a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to addressing migration issues worldwide, De León strives to reconnect families of missing migrants with their loved ones. Through a unique blend of ethnography, visual storytelling, archaeology, and forensic science, the UMP has deeply investigated the perilous clandestine migration routes between Latin America and the U.S. since 2009.
De León’s impactful work has made waves in both academic circles and popular media, reflecting his dedication to shedding light on the harsh realities of migration. He is the author of two acclaimed books: “The Land of Open Graves: Living and Dying on the Migrant Trail,” which features compelling photographs by Michael Wells, and “Soldiers and Kings.” Notably, “Soldiers and Kings” received the prestigious National Book Award for Nonfiction in 2024.
A recipient of the MacArthur Foundation Fellowship in 2017, De León continues to forge paths in migration research, advocating for empathy and understanding toward vulnerable communities. His lecture promises to be a profound exploration of human rights and dignity in the face of migration challenges.
On February 19, 2025, Jason De León will deliver the Frederick Douglass Human Rights Lecture. As the Director of UCLA’s Cotsen Institute of Archaeology, he leads the Undocumented Migration Project. De León has published award-winning books detailing the migrant experience and holds a MacArthur Fellowship. His lecture will shed light on human rights issues in migration.
Jason De León’s upcoming lecture embodies a vital dialogue on the complexities of migration, combining academic rigor with heartfelt narratives. His groundbreaking work through the Undocumented Migration Project not only raises awareness but also addresses the humanitarian crises faced by countless families. As a celebrated author and educator, De León’s insights are sure to inspire change and empathy in listeners.
Original Source: laverne.edu
