Samaria Rice

As a mother of social justice, activist, and the founder and CEO of the Tamir Rice Foundation, Ms. Samaria Rice proudly serves as an advocate for juvenile rights in Cleveland, Ohio. Since the murder of her 12-year-old son Tamir by Cleveland Police in 2014, Ms. Rice has committed her life to justice and standing on the frontlines for children. Samaria's passion for civil rights reaches across lines of difference, uniting us all to work towards change. Following Tamir's death, Samaria has...See more

As a mother of social justice, activist, and the founder and CEO of the Tamir Rice Foundation, Ms. Samaria Rice proudly serves as an advocate for juvenile rights in Cleveland, Ohio. Since the murder of her 12-year-old son Tamir by Cleveland Police in 2014, Ms. Rice has committed her life to justice and standing on the frontlines for children. Samaria's passion for civil rights reaches across lines of difference, uniting us all to work towards change. Following Tamir's death, Samaria has continued to use her voice in the service of her son's legacy. Samaria encourages us to take back our communities by standing up for justice. She has become a motivating force for families and communities across the nation. Ms. Rice founded the Tamir Rice Foundation in 2016. The mission of the Foundation is to invest in the growth and enrichment of children through the arts and to create a world in which all children feel safe, nurtured, and valued - especially in their darkest times. Ms. Rice is active in the arts nationally and globally. She frequently collaborates with artists and arts organizations on projects in response to the shooting of Tamir, state-sanctioned violence, and juvenile rights. Her biggest undertaking yet is the Tamir Rice Afrocentric Cultural Center, which will provide artistic, educational, and civic programs for youth while celebrating the history and culture of people of African descent. She was recently featured on Essence's 2019 Woke 100 list alongside changemakers such as Michelle Obama, Ava Duvernay, and Gayle King. Please visit https: //www.tamirricefoundation.org See less