Meet Temple Grandin

© Epic, 2011

Prized for Developing Better Treatment for Cattle

"I think using animals for food is an ethical thing to do, but we've got to do it right. We've got to give those animals a decent life and we've got to give them a painless death. We owe the animal respect."

When Temple Grandin was diagnosed with autism as a young girl, professionals suggested that she be put in an institution.  But Temple's mother refused.  Instead, she worked hard to give Temple the education and support that she felt Temple deserved.  

Though Temple was considered odd throughout her early school days, she found her niche in  college: she loved cattle.  More than that, she felt that her autism gave her  special insight into their minds.  After receiving a bachelor's degree in psychology, Temple switched her focus to cattle and went on to earn masters and doctorate degrees in animal science.  

Eventually, Temple developed revolutionary systems and equipment for handling cattle.  She advocated more humane processes that gave cattle a better quality of life with reduced stress.  Now half of the cattle in America use her animal-friendly designs.

Today, at age 63, Temple is arguably the most accomplished and well-known adult with autism in the world.  Over her lifetime, she has authored numerous books on both cattle and autism.  She is currently a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University, and she spends significant time travelling the world to increase awareness of autism and cattle treatment.

Sources

Temple Grandin's Personal Website

The 2010 Time 100: Temple Grandin

Check Out This Video!

BBC's The Woman Who Thinks Like a Cow

*Also, check out the HBO's award-winning Temple Grandin, based on her life and starring Claire Danes.  You won't be disappointed.

Meet Wangari Maathai

© Epic, 2010

Prized for Starting the Green Belt Movement
"The planting of trees is the planting of ideas. By starting with the simple act of planting a tree, we give hope to ourselves and to future generations."

In 1971 Wangari Maathai became the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate degree.  Her education in biology and anatomy had instilled in her a passion for environmental preservation and sustainability.  After completing her schooling, Wangari taught veterinary anatomy at the University of Nairobi.  But Wangari was also active in many community organizations including the National Council of Women in Kenya (NCWK).  In 1976 Wangari first introduced and developed her idea to plant trees using womens groups.  

On World Environment Day in 1977, NCWK members marched to a park in downtown Nairobi.  There they planted seven trees to honor community leaders.  This was the first of many "green belts" in Africa.  Wangari saw planting trees as a way to fight deforestation, soil erosion, and drought in Kenya.  But there was more.  She also viewed planting trees as the first step in creating empowered womens groups who could come together to fight for equity, good governance, and peace. 

As time passed, Wangari's small idea evolved into a large organization called the Green Belt Movement.  In the 1980s, the Green Belt Movement started to train people from all over Africa in their approach to conserving the environment and empowering women. Green Belt Movements started to spring up all over the continent, then all over the world.

Thanks to Wangari's Green Belt Movement, over 40 million trees have been planted at homes, schools, and churches around the world.  Forests have been restored.  Soil erosion has been reduced.  Thousands of women and families have taken a stand for their environmental and human rights.  The Green Belt Movement hopes to plant one billion trees in the next decade.

Sources

The Green Belt Movement Website

Nobel Prize Biography

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PBS's Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai Trailer

Meet Liu Xiaobo

© Epic, 2010

   Prized for Fighting for Human Rights in China

"The democratization of Chinese politics can be put off no longer." -- Charter 08

When Liu Xiaobo was announced as this year's Nobel Peace Prize winner, most of the world scratched their heads.  But not in China.  Furious Chinese authorities quickly censored the incoming news, broke up local celebrations, and placed Liu's wife under house arrest.  Then China issued a statement reprimanding the Nobel Committee for their "desecration" of the prestigious award.

Though less known outside of China, Liu is a well-known literary critic and activist within his country.  He was a professor for many years at Beijing Normal University.  Since Liu's involvement in the nonviolent Tiananmen Square protests in 1989, he has been a strong spokesperson in calling for freedom of speech, democratic elections, and constitutional reform.  He has been sent to prison or labor camps four times for his political activism.  When he isn't in jail, Liu is often under government surveillance or house arrest.  

Liu is currently two years into an eleven-year prison sentence.  The charge?  Inciting subversion of state power.  He was arrested just days before the publication of Charter 08, a document in which he and others called for greater human rights in China. 

Today Liu's future remains uncertain, but we applaud him "for his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China."  

Sources

Pen American Center Website
Nobel Prize Website
China's Charter 08 (Translated)
NPR: Chinese Dissident Liu Wins Nobel Peace Prize

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Nobel Peace Prize Announcement