2026 Winners Learn more about the 2026 winners! Share Dr. O’Nae Chatman - H. Councill Trenholm Memorial Award Dr. Chatman’s goal is to instill confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of purpose. Learn more Brian Whitecalf - Reg Weaver Memorial Award for Human and Civil Rights Brian Whitecalf knows that schools aren’t just buildings, they’re lifelines for society’s most vulnerable. Learn more Emanuel “Dupree” Jackson, Jr. - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Award Through the founding of his Emanuel Jackson Senior (EJS) Project, Dupree has made hands-on advocacy for youth in his hometown of Delray Beach, Florida, his life’s mission. Learn more HOPE-Esperanza - George I. Sánchez Memorial Award This nonprofit initiative, founded in 2021 by Executive Director TinaMaria Fernández, serves Lincoln County, Nebraska’s large Latino community, addressing issues marginalized groups face with access to with essential services. Learn more Girls Inc. - Mary Hatwood Futrell Award Girls Inc. continues Futrell’s mission to strike down bias and stereotypes for women of all backgrounds. Learn more Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (CIRA) - Acción y Compromiso Human and Civil Rights Award The efforts of Cortes-Mills and CIRA are saving lives and continuing the glorious American tradition of organized labor. Learn more Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition (NUIHC) - Leo Reano Memorial Award The perfect continuation of Reano’s legacy is the work of The Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition (NUIHC), created to give the Native population living in the greater Omaha and Lincoln metro areas access to quality health care. Learn more The Fairness Campaign - Virginia Uribe Memorial Award for Creative Leadership in Human Rights Carrying the trailblazing torch that Uribe proudly held high, The Fairness Campaign, Kentucky’s oldest LGBTQ+ advocacy group, under the direction of Chris Hartman, is helping youth step out of the shadows, encouraging everyone to see the light of equality. Learn more Vital Immigrant Defense Advocacy and Services - Rosa Parks Memorial Award This coalition of Latino activists, civic leaders, and attorneys was founded in 2014 to impact the crisis facing those who’ve come to the United States to make a way out of no way. Learn more Education Minnesota - NEA President's Award for Human and Civil Rights For nearly three decades, Education Minnesota has been a leading voice for justice and excellence in public education across the state. Learn more Stay Informed We'll come to you We're here to help you succeed in your career, advocate for public school students, and stay up to date on the latest education news. Sign up to stay informed