Can you identify this person?
Occasional Planet’s “Who Am I” series features people who have made important contributions to liberal thought, progressive politics, human rights, enlightened education, environmental awareness, and “small-d” democratic principles–both in the US and internationally.
The abbreviated bios in our “Progressive Hall of Fame” only hint at the scope of our hall of famers’ struggles and accomplishments. We hope that curiosity will impel you find out more about these inspiring people, whose professional efforts and personal sacrifices deserve to be remembered—and emulated.
To see a gallery of the progressive role models previously featured on Occasional Planet, click here. Our current featured progressive role model is:
CHARLES VAN DER HORST
Physician, AIDS researcher, activist
Claims to progressive fame
Participated in 2013 in the Moral Monday protests at the North Carolina state legislature building, where he was among 29 protesters who were arrested for protesting the state’s refusal to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.
Refuses to remain silent about the immorality of government denying healthcare insurance to 300,000 to 500,000 of North Carolina’s working poor.
Went to jail to demonstrate the reality that between 1,000 to 2,000 North Carolinians die unnecessarily each year because they lack the financial means to seek timely healthcare.
To hear Van Der Horst speak about Medicaid expansion and his involvement as an activist, click here.