Music & Human Rights: HRSMA Alumni Speaker Series with Justin Jalea

The connection between music and human rights remains relatively unexplored in theory, but in practice, musicians, and artists in general, are found at the forefront of human rights pursuits. Harnessing the power of a fundamental form of human expression, musicians are poised to make unique contributions to the human rights agenda, and advance its core principles of dignity, respect, and self-determination. This discussion will open conversation on ways to further advance human rights through music and the arts and will address lessons learned from this pursuit.

Justin Jalea’s current work is found at the intersection of music and human rights. He has worked with organizations such as Musicians for Human Rights, Americans for the Arts, and UNICEF. He is a JUNO-nominated tenor, pianist, and conductor. Previous Justin taught at Mount Royal University where he developed courses on freedom of religion and free speech and worked as a researcher for organizations such as the Sheldon Chumir Foundation and PEN Canada. He currently teaches human rights courses in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies at Durham College.

Justin holds an M.A. in Human Rights Studies from Columbia University and is currently pursuing a law degree at McGill University in Montreal.