Gulchehra Hoja: From the Tengri Mountains to the Chippewa Valley

A part of the 2024 Chippewa Valley Book Festival!

Many might think that they are far from supporting the genocide happening in Xinjiang (Chinese-occupied East Turkestan), but will be shocked to find out that even the clothes they wear support those horrors. Author and activist Gulchehra Hoja will provide an insightful look into the struggles of being in exile and reminisce about the beauty of her Uyghur homeland. Learn about Hoja’s personal endeavors – torn between preserving her family’s safety back home and her responsibility to her people.

About the Author

GULCHEHRA HOJA, a distinguished journalist and author, has dedicated her life to shedding light on critical human rights issues and championing journalistic integrity. Her relentless pursuit of truth and justice has earned her widespread recognition and numerous accolades.

In 2019, Hoja was honored with the prestigious Magnitsky Human Rights Award for her unwavering commitment to upholding human rights and exposing the Chinese government’s crimes against humanity. In recognition of her exceptional bravery and resilience in the face of adversity, Hoja was bestowed with the Courage in Journalism Award by the International Women's Media Foundation in 2020.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Hoja remains deeply committed to using her platform to effect positive change in society, whether through her investigative reporting or her literary works.