The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center recognized four awardees for their work in social justice and modern-day freedom efforts at the International Freedom Conductor Awards Gala Saturday night.
The 2021 awardees include George and Amal Clooney, the late Rep. John Lewis and Bryan Stevenson, lawyer and author of the New York Times Bestseller "Just Mercy."
The IFCA, according to the Freedom Center, recognizes individuals who "reflect the spirit and courageous actions of conductors of the historic Underground Railroad" and is the highest honor presented by the Freedom Center. The first IFCA was given to Rosa Parks in 1998.
News:John Lewis, George and Amal Clooney among recipients of Freedom Center's highest honor award
"The award honors individuals who have tirelessly worked to pursue a fair and justice society, and create a world where we all can thrive," said co-chair of the gala Carole Rigaud, who spoke at Saturday's event. "This year's awardees come from all walks of life, but what they have in common is a shared belief in a great truth, which is 'freedom for all.'"
Bryan Stevenson
Lawyer and social justice activist Bryan Stevenson was recognized for his efforts to challenge the American criminal justice system. As founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, Stevenson has guaranteed defense of anyone sentenced to the death penalty in the state of Alabama. He also founded the Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in 2018, both located in Montgomery, Alabama. Stevenson's award was presented Saturday by David Singleton, executive director of the Ohio Justice and Policy Center, who called Stevenson a "champion for people in Alabama." Stevenson was unable to be present Saturday to receive his award in person.
"He is an inspiration to those of us who work in the space of trying to reform our criminal legal system," Singleton said Saturday.
As an attorney, Stevenson has presented multiple cases in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, including the famous Miller v. Alabama decision, which now forbids life in prison without parole sentences for juvenile homicide offenders.
Rep. John Lewis
Rep. John Lewis is remembered as both a U.S. Congressman and a Civil Rights Icon. As an integral part of the Civil Rights Movement, he walked beside Dr. Matin Luther King Jr. as they marched on Washington, and was one of the leaders of the famous march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965. As a congressman representing Georgia's 5th district, Lewis continually fought for racial equality, voting rights, LGBTQIA rights and expanding access to healthcare. Lewis was remembered on Saturday for his empathy and Saint-like touch to his human rights efforts, and was fondly quoted with saying, "I always loved to make things grow."
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