For Immediate Release
Contact:
Patrick Hudson, 202-238-9088 ext. 105, phudson@americanhumanist.org
Meghan Hamilton, 202-238-9088, ext. 114, mhamilton@americanhumanist.org
(Washington, D.C., June 6, 2017)–From June 8-11, the American Humanist Association will host its 76th Annual Conference in Charleston, South Carolina, coming together to reward and celebrate humanism and the nontheist community. Hosted at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Airport Hotel and Convention Center, the conference will feature engaging speakers, panel discussions and award luncheons, one of which will recognize Emmy-nominated co-host of MythBusters Adam Savage with the 2017 Humanist of the Year Award.
Adam Savage’s glittering career has seen him co-host and produce MythBusters for 13 years in which he has been an active member of the skeptic community, and he continues to be an advocate for humanist values on social media.
“Adam Savage’s strong advocacy for our shared values makes him a worthy recipient of our Humanist of the Year Award,” said Roy Speckhardt, executive director of the American Humanist Association. “His contributions to science and skepticism have enhanced our understanding of the world in a fun, fascinating way.”
The American Humanist Association will also honor other outstanding individuals including: leading feminist author whose works are part of the Human Sexuality Collection at Cornell University Susie Bright (Feminist Humanist Award); legendary oceanographer and environmental advocate Sylvia Earle (Isaac Asimov Science Award), and boundary-pushing artist and vocal LGBTQ advocate, Staceyann Chin (LGBTQ Humanist Award). Other individuals receiving awards include dedicated public servant and advocate for marginalized communities Martin Castro (Religious Liberty Award), and open humanist and plaintiff in the historic Silverman v. Campbell case, Herb Silverman (Lifetime Achievement Award).
The conference will also include informative talks by notable speakers. Civil Rights activist and President of the Charleston NAACP Dot Scott will present a keynote address. Lucien Greaves, advocate for acceptance of nontheistic religious exemptions and privilege, and spokesperson of the Satanic Temple will speak on Saturday, June 10th. On the same day, bestseller & scientist Abby Hafer will speak about sex, gender, the gender binary, and much more. A full list of conference speakers is available here.
Additional information about the conference can be found here.
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Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Washington, DC, the American Humanist Association (AHA) works to protect the rights of humanists, atheists, and other nontheistic Americans. The AHA advances the ethical and life-affirming philosophy of humanism, which—without beliefs in any gods or other supernatural forces—encourages individuals to live informed and meaningful lives that aspire to the greater good of humanity.