2009 Awardees
Mary Lou Breslin, co-founder of the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, for making a mark in defining disability rights as a civil rights issue. She is a trailblazer whose grassroots movement has had tremendous impact addressing human rights abuses and neglect worldwide. As co-founder of the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, Mary Lou was at the forefront of creating the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Housing Amendments Act, and the Civil Rights Restoration Act – leading to protected rights and enhanced opportunities for us all, not just those with disabilities.
In the spirit of the Robert C. Kirkwood Award, made to an individual in recognition of outstanding community service, commitment, and inspired leadership.
Michael Franti, artist, activist, founder of Spearhead, for embodying a social movement of justice and activism and being a voice for the vulnerable. By founding the music groups Spearhead and the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, as well as the Power to the Peaceful festival, Michael built an underground movement to spread a message of social justice and advocated for underrepresented people. His recent film, I Know I’m Not Alone, highlights the human cost of war and empowers people to utilize their vote and recognize their collective power to impact American foreign policy.
In the spirit of the Helen Crocker Russell Award, made to an under-recognized, mature artist who has made a significant and ongoing contribution in the Bay Area.
Eugene Rodriguez, founder of Los Cenzontles Mexican Cultural Arts Center, a classically trained guitarist, for his passion for connecting with young people through Mexican traditional music. He grew Los Cenzontles from a small music group to the cultural hub it is today in San Pablo by creating transformative experiences for youth, providing focus, training, and purpose that helps them succeed in life. Locally and nationally, he brings visibility to and reverence for Mexican vernacular forms of music and traditional dance.
In the spirit of the Helen Crocker Russell Award, made to an under-recognized, mature artist who has made a significant and ongoing contribution in the Bay Area.
Children’s Book Press, the first independent, nonprofit publisher of bilingual, multicultural books and stories for children. In the past 33 years, it has served as a vehicle for civil rights, human rights, and social justice, with a profound impact on the children, youth, and adults who better understand their own lives and histories as a result of its books. Children’s Book Press builds the connection between literacy and success, preserves traditions, and helps build a stronger future for our children.
In the spirit of The San Francisco Foundation Award, made to an individual demonstrating exemplary commitment to improving human relations in the Bay Area.
National Center for Lesbian Rights, for its pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment to advancing the civil and human rights of LGBT people. Its precedent-setting case victories have rewritten laws to change the legal landscape for all LGBT people and families across the nation. Through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education, NCLR advocates on behalf of LGBT people and their families nationwide. For 30 years, NCLR has been at the forefront of pursuing justice, fairness, and legal protections for all LGBT people.
In the spirit of the John R. May Award, made for organizational initiatives in response to a significant contemporary problem.