BOSTON, June 2022 – The Global Director for the U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network — Youth (SDSN Youth), Brighton Kaoma is set to speak at Boston Arts Academy’s Commencement Ceremony this month. Kaoma, considered one of the most powerful voices today in sustainability and environmental change, has inspired thousands of young people across Africa and beyond. Born and raised in Zambia, at age 14, he became a radio broadcaster with a focus on climate change, garnering some 2 million weekly listeners. “I’m using my lived experience to help young people living in similar situations to flip the page and turn their situations into warrior fuel to propel them,” said Kaoma, in regards to the upcoming commencement.

In 2015, he was awarded the Queen's Young Leaders award by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, United Kingdom, for his exemplary leadership and efforts in global sustainable development. The following year, he became the first African to be awarded the Global WWF International President's Award, an annual award by the World Wildlife Fund honoring outstanding young people who are committed to protect nature and help people live in harmony with nature. His full journey, together with challenges, triumphs and lessons learnt has been penned in his debut self-help book coming out in December, 2022. Brighton is also the Global Director of the United Nation Sustainable Development Solutions Network — Youth, where he leads global programs involving 4000+ young entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, and activists working on solutions for the UN Sustainable Development Goals across 127 countries in 6 continents.

“The Class of 2022 has had extraordinary success despite the challenges they have faced during their high school career. We are very proud of all that they have accomplished, and we can't wait to celebrate their future success,” said Anne R. Clark, Ed.D., Head of School at Boston Arts Academy.

“Brighton is the embodiment of what Boston Arts Academy strives to instill in each of its students, as artists, scholars, and global citizens. I’m overjoyed to have such an inspiring and trailblazing young man of color speaking at Boston Arts Academy’s commencement, the icing on the cake for an already amazing celebration of BAA’s Class of 2022 graduates and all they have accomplished over the last four years,” said Denella J. Clark, President and CEO of Boston Arts Academy Foundation.

Boston Arts Academy Foundation will also highlight three 2022 Philanthropy Superstars at Commencement: Jay Fee of Nelson Mullins, Academy-Award winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter and Mark Lev of Fenway Sports Management. These Superstars have played a critical role in supporting BAA’s students and the school as BAA plans to open its new state-of-the-art school building in Fenway, this Fall 2022.

The graduation ceremony will be held on Monday, June 13 at the Shubert Theater from 2-4 PM, and will also include student performances and art presentations.