LOS ANGELES — For the seventh year in a row, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), this year in partnership with The Heather Heyer Foundation, will take part in the Rose Parade with a float titled ‘Keeping the Promise.’ The float will highlight community heroes by honoring the courage and sacrifice of civil rights and social justice activists throughout history—from iconic Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to Heather Heyer, who was tragically killed in the violent white supremacy demonstrations in Charlottesville, Va. earlier this year. Surviving family members of Ms. Heyer and other high-profile advocates for justice will ride on the AHF float, along with three young essay contest winners.
The Keep the Promise youth essay contest launched nationally Oct. 30 posing the simple question to youth ages 14-20 years old: “What are you doing to stand against hate in your community?” Essay submissions will be between 500-1,000 words each, and can be submitted through the contest website until Nov. 15. The top three winners of the essay contest will receive grants up to $5,000 either for community projects or toward furthering their education and will be flown to Los Angeles and have the singular opportunity to ride on the 2018 AHF Rose Parade float, representing the next generation of American activists and community leaders.
“My daughter Heather stood bravely for unity and against hate and always believed in dialogue and discussion as the keys to peace,” said Susan Bro, mother of slain activist Heather Heyer and Co-founder of the Heather Heyer Foundation. “We are honored to continue Heather’s legacy by partnering with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and encouraging young people across the country to promote peace.”
