Mr. Geoffrey Canada

President and Chief Executive Officer

Harlem Children's Zone

and 

Noted Author

 

 

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.

A much sought-after speaker, Mr. Canada enjoys a national reputation as both an advocate for and expert on issues concerning violence, children and community redevelopment. In May 1994 Mr. Canada was the host of a national PBS special Jobs: A Way Out? This program explored the importance of employment opportunities for youth in keeping youth from following the path of violence. He has also frequently appeared on CBS This Morning, Good Morning America, The Today Show, Nightline and many other television and cable programs, both nationally and locally.

Mr. Canada, who grew up in the South Bronx, has dedicated his life to helping children who grew up in conditions similar to those faced by his family secure both educational and economic opportunities. Prominent among his many efforts are the Harlem Children's Zone's Beacon School, Harlem Peacemakers Program, and Community Pride Initiative. The Beacon School program provides support 12 hours a day, 365 days a year to children and families in Central Harlem. His newest initiative is the Harlem Children's Zone Project which will work with all of the children and families in a 23 block area in Central Harlem.

Mr. Canada is also the founder (in 1983) of the Chang Moo Kwan Martial Arts School. As the school's Chief Instructor, Mr. Canada (a Third Degree Black Belt) teaches the principles of Tae Kwon Do to community youth along with anti-violence and conflict resolution techniques. Now in its 17th year, the Chang Moo Kwan Martial Arts School is a nationally recognized model for violence prevention efforts.

Mr. Canada holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Bowdoin College and a Master's Degree in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Before joining the Harlem Children's Zone, he served as Director of the Robert White School, a private day school for troubled inner city youth in Boston.

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.