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State senator to speak at human rights banquet

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Sen. Vincent J. Hughes, who has been recognized nationally for his work on the issue of HIV and AIDS, will serve as keynote speaker of this year’s NAACP Washington Branch Human Rights Award Banquet.

The banquet will be held 7 p.m. May 2 at DoubleTree by Hilton in Meadow Lands.

Hughes represents the 7th Senatorial District, which encompasses part of Philadelphia, and serves as Democratic chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Prior to joining the Senate in 1994, Hughes was a member of the state House of Representatives for seven years.

Hughes focused his political career on goals such as job creation, health care expansion and neighborhood revitalization.

He has been nationally recognized for his work in the field of health and public welfare, and he regularly supports organizations such as Keystone Hospice, Circle of Care, BEBASHI, the national Black AIDS Institute and National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

He founded the Philadelphia-based “Breaking the Silence” summit to raise awareness about mental health. He also serves on the board of directors of the National Mental Health Association and previously chaired its strategic planning committee.

He also worked to increase the minimum wage in Pennsylvania and secured over $20 million for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

In the field of higher education, Hughes serves on the board of rirectors of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, the PHEAA Foundation Board of Directors, the Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and the Council of Trustees at Cheyney University.

The James Hughes Memorial Scholarship fund to support Philadelphia public high school students’ aspirations of higher education has raised more than $1 million since it was created by Hughes in 1996.

Also during the banquet, George A. Simmons, retired regional director of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, will receive the 2014 Human Rights Award.

Traci McDonald Kemp, Washington County assistant district attorney, will serve as master of ceremonies.

Tickets for the banquet can be purchased by calling 724-222-7820.

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