In the summer of 2020, in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and the worldwide racial reckoning that followed, Open Society announced a $220 million investment in racial justice to support Black-led organizations and leaders in Black communities across the United States.
As part of this wider investment, the Open Society Justice Rising Awards recognize 16 inspiring individuals—across geographies, issues, life experiences, and movement philosophies—who have played a critical role in driving the movement for racial justice forward. Through their perseverance and leadership, these extraordinary individuals have moved the country closer to our aspirations of equality and justice.
Open Society has granted each of these individuals an award with no strings attached, to use as they see fit, in recognition of the many professional and personal sacrifices involved in the demanding work of building movements. We're proud to celebrate the achievements of these extraordinary individuals as they continue to show the world that progress is possible.
Learn more about the awardees and join us in celebrating Black leadership in racial justice at OpenSocietyJusticeRising.org.
The Awardees
Amber Goodwin Austin, TX
Organizer focused on gun violence prevention through policy and leadership development
Colette Pichon Battle New Orleans, LA
Community organizer engaged in the fight to address the global climate crisis
Dara Cooper Atlanta, GA
Community organizer fighting for equal food systems and land justice
Deborah Peterson Small Oakland, CA
Organizer advocating for drug policy reform
Desmond Meade Orlando, FL
Organizer fighting to restore voting rights for people with past felony convictions
Dustin Gibson Baltimore, MD
Abolitionist advocating for disability justice
Fania E. Davis Oakland, CA
Community organizer focusing on the fight for restorative justice
Gloriann Sacha Antonetty-Lebrón San Juan, PR
Organizer fighting to change the anti-Black narrative through multimedia
LaTosha Brown Atlanta, GA
Organizer and philanthropist working on voting rights and women's empowerment
M Adams Madison, WI
Movement scientist and organizer fighting poverty and racism through direct services and leadership development
Makani Themba Jackson, MS
Organizer and media strategist helping partners facilitate high impact change
Markasa Tucker-Harris Milwaukee, WI
Organizer fighting for Black empowerment in Wisconsin
Maurice Mitchell Long Beach, NY
Organizer and political strategist fighting for racial, social and economic justice
Monica Raye Simpson Atlanta, GA
Organizer fighting for reproductive justice and the right to bodily autonomy
Prentiss Haney Cincinnati, OH
Organizer working to increase youth civic participation and voter engagement
Tarana J. Burke New York, NY
Organizer and advocate committed to ending sexual violence impacting Black women and girls | | | If this message was forwarded to you, please sign up for future updates. | | | | |
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