Geoffrey Canada

Geoffrey Canada "is the acclaimed author of Fist Stick Knife Gun: A Personal History of Violence in America and was the recipient of the first Heinz Award in 1994 for his work as President/CEO of Harlem Children's Zone in New York City. He was chosen as an award recipient for his passionate concern for children and his selfless determination to make their lives safer and saner. Mr. Canada's new book, Reaching Up for Manhood, was published in January of 1998.

"...Upon returning to New York City in 1983, Mr. Canada became the Program Director for Truancy Prevention Program. In 1990 Mr. Canada was named the President/CEO of the Harlem Children's Zone.

"Mr. Canada is also the East Coast Regional Coordinator for the Black Community Crusade for Children. The Crusade is a nationwide effort to make saving Black children the number one priority in the Black community. This initiative is being coordinated by Marian Wright Edelman and the Children's Defense Fund.

"He has won numerous awards, including: the Robin Hood Foundation's Heroes of the Year Award, the Spirit of the City Award from the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, and Bowdoin College's Common Good Award. He has also received Honorary Degrees from Harvard University, Williams College, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, the Bank Street College of Education and Lombard Theological Seminary.“


 * In 2002 he became a trustee of the Open Society Institute U.S. Programs
 * Director, Children's Defense Fund
 * Director, PolicyLink
 * Director, The After-School Corporation
 * Director, Robin Hood Foundation