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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TERRY HURST ARRIVING IN SEATTLE THIS WEEKEND, CYCLED FROM SALT LAKE CITY
He’s just an ordinary, out-of-shape individual and he left home without a dime in his pocket
This week Terry is riding through Olympia and Tacoma on his way to Seattle. He is depending on community members and organizations to meet all of his needs for food, shelter, and cappuccino. We are also asking for five million dollars in donations along the way.
Besides being the overweight, amateur cyclist, Terry is a community member with twenty years experience in community building. He has a professional background in writing and film. And he is spreading a message of community action and solidarity. He has made a commitment to ride around the country until we raise five million dollars.
This campaign is to support Mestizo Institute of Culture and Arts (MICA). For seven years, MICA has actively engaged in social change through arts, activism, and dialogue. At MICA, Mestizo Arts and Activism creates a pipeline to higher education—youth research issues that matter to them and then make presentations through art. MICA has a Muralism apprentice program for youth of mixed backgrounds—together with seasoned artists, they engage community through focus groups then create an interpretive mural. Most of all, MICA provides a public space for the community to decide what is important for them. We believe that no youth is expendable and that no community is expendable. This fundraiser is to expand on the success of MICA, with a specific goal of moving into a larger and more permanent space.
What about the youth? “The program has really helped me to communicate with people, be comfortable with my art, and be involved in the community,” Joaquin, age 14.
“The first day I met Terry, he treated me like normal, he didn’t care how I dressed--he don’t trip…he just talks to me. That’s what I like about Mestizo,” Juan Carlos, age 21.
“Today I was at East High sharing my art. Then I went to the university at the table for MEChA and then at West High meeting all the teachers to do my art project there. Four months ago I was homeless. I believe in Mestizo because Mestizo believes in me--which gives me belief in myself, something I've never felt before. I don't know much, but I know that!” Dominique Suazo, Age 23.
It has been over 800 miles of bike ride to get from Salt Lake City to arrive in The Dalles tonight and Terry has depended completely on community to get him there. Find out about the bicycle tour , make a donation, read Terry’s blog, get latest news updates.
What’s the power of the pedal? It’s a revolution. By putting Terry on a bike, community is taking a stand. We do not wait for change.
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If you would like more information on this topic or to schedule an interview please call Dave Galvàn at 801-633-9202 or Terry Hurst at 801-564-9036 or e-mail at teresocaspa@gmail.com