Geoffrey Canada
President and CEO
Harlem Children's Zone, Inc.

Geoffrey Canada has dedicated his life to helping disadvantaged children who grew up in conditions similar to those he and his family faced in the South Bronx. In 1990, Canada became President and CEO of the Harlem Children Zone, Inc. (then Rheedlen), where he works to help the members of the community secure both educational and economic opportunities. His newest initiative is the Harlem Children's Zone Project, which provides education and social services to children and their families in a 60-block area in Central Harlem.

Canada is a tireless advocate for children in need and enjoys a national reputation for his work to counter violence, redevelop communities and provide assistance to children and families. Other prominent efforts of Canada's include the Harlem Children Zone's Beacon School, Harlem Peacemakers Program, and Community Pride Initiative. The Beacon School programs, for example, provide support 12 hours a day, 365 days a year to children and families in Central Harlem.

In 1983, Mr. Canada founded the Chang Moo Kwan Martial Arts School. As the school's Chief Instructor, Canada—a Third Degree Black Belt—teaches the principles of Tae Kwon Do to community youth along with antiviolence and conflict resolution techniques. Now in its 13th year, the Chang Moo Kwan Martial Arts School is a nationally recognized model for violence prevention efforts.

Canada holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Bowdoin College and a Master's Degree in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Canada is also an acclaimed author of two books: Fist Stick Knife Gun: A Personal History of Violence in America and Reaching Up for Manhood. Canada received several college and university honorary doctorate degrees and other honors, 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, New York University's Brennan Legacy Award and Bowdoin College's Common Good Award.