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WV Wesleyan's Commitment to a Hate Free Millennium
released: 11/07/02
West Virginia Wesleyan College invites you to a compelling program on Tuesday, November 12th at 7:00 p.m. in Wesley Chapel.

The program will begin with a showing of "Journey to a Hate Free Millennium," an inspiring documentary that seeks solutions to the horrible hate crimes that have now become current events in our daily lives. The stirring film features examples straight from today's headlines: the vicious murder of Matthew Shepard in Wyoming; the horrendous dragging death of James Byrd Jr. in Texas; and the unfathomable shootings by high school students at Columbine High School in Colorado. Wesleyan's Alpha Xi Delta sorority will donate the video package to the College following the viewing on Tuesday evening.

After the video presentation, guest speaker T.J. Leyden will follow with a thought-provoking presentation as a reformed neo-Nazi skinhead activist and recruiter.

How can a man who covered his body in Nazi symbols, advocated for the death of Jews, and recruited teenagers into the hate movement become one of the nation's most compelling advocates for the importance of diversity and cultural appreciation?

After the divorce of his parents, Tom "T.J." Leyden moved toward a life of punk rock, slam-dancing and fighting. At the young age of 15 he formed his own skinhead group in Redlands, California. At 21, Leyden joined the Marines and his role as a leading recruiter, organizer and propagandist for the white supremacist movement increased. In all, he spent more than 15 years as a leader in the neo-Nazi movement and even formed a family around a hate-filled environment.

Today, he has turned away from the hatred that defined his life for so long. He is the only known former skinhead to leave the movement and retain his own name. He worked for more than five years for the Simon Wiesenthal Center teaching on the culture of hate and the importance in fighting back against it. He was invited by President Clinton to be a featured speaker at the White House Conference on Hate, and has trained professionals at the Pentagon, the FBI, and at American military bases. He has also spoken to more than 650,000 students. In addition, he has testified against individuals on trial for hate crimes.

Although he receives regular death threats and must take extraordinary measures to protect himself from his former friends, Leyden is committed to being a fierce advocate for the importance of appreciating the differences in all people. After 15 years as a neo-Nazi white supremacist activist and recruiter, he experienced a profound change of heart, turned away from hate, and began teaching tolerance.

Judy Shepard, the Mother of hate crime victim Matthew Shepard, once said, "Mr. Leyden has now dedicated his life to confronting issues such as racism, anti-Semitism, and hate crimes through education, community involvement, and social action. He does so personally, dramatically, and with sincerity through his powerful presentation."

In his amazing story individuals might find the key to combating the spread of hatred and violence in our country and the courage to turn away from our own fears and prejudices.

Wesleyan's Intercultural Relations Office, Campus Activities Board, Black Student Union, Counseling & Wellness Center, Greek Affairs, Alpha Xi Delta, and Chapel Office are sponsoring this event, which is free and open to the public.