Human rights activist, Loretta J. Ross, the founder and executive director of the Center for Human Rights Education (CHRE) in Atlanta, Ga., will discuss the human rights condition in America and the legal strategies available to address it at the DePaul University College of Law on Jan. 15. The luncheon, which will celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Blvd.

Ross founded CHRE in 1996 to teach grassroots human rights activists how to address social injustices in the United States. Prior to establishing CHRE, Ross served as the national program research director for the Atlanta-based Center for Democratic Renewal, a national non-profit clearinghouse for information on hate groups including the Ku Klux Klan and the neo-Nazi movement and bigoted violence.

Ross began her foray into activism as a women’s health advocate after her use of a birth control device, the Dalkon Shield, resulted in sterility. Following that personal tragedy, she became a vocal crusader for women’s health issues and human rights and was one of the first African American women to direct a rape crisis center.

As an unyielding champion of human rights, Ross directed projects investigating right-wing organizations in South Africa, the Ku Klux Klan and neo-Nazis. Under her direction, the Center for Democratic Renewal produced a monthly intelligence report on far right activities entitled “The Activist Update.”

Ross has testified on women’s health and human rights issues before Congress, the United Nations and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. She currently serves on the board of directors for Pacifica Radio Foundation, the Foundation for African American Women, the SisterLove Women’s AIDS Project, the Independent Commission for Human Rights Education and the Fund for Southern Communities. She also is a political analyst for Pacifica News Service and has appeared on talk shows such as “Good Morning America,” “BET Lead Story,” “The Donahue Show” and “The Charlie Rose Show.”

The luncheon is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Call Lawrence Arendt at 312/362-8450 for reservations.

Note to editors: Reporters wishing to cover Loretta Ross’ speech should contact Valerie Phillips in Media Relations at 312/362-5039.