2021
Eric K. Ward
Acceptance Speech: As the United States defends itself against a crushing wave of authoritarianism and bigoted violence, we have much to learn from those who came before us. Not only about the tenacity needed to carry forward the great enterprise of building a just society, but the courage needed to resist all that imperils the gains of America’s civil rights movement and the strengthening American democracy that follows in its wake.
Here in our own country, we are blessed to have many who epitomize courage. Not the “might is right” American bravado and exceptionalism that betrays the maturity of our nation. I'm speaking of those who dare to believe the radical notion that “Democracy is not a state. It is an act,” as … John Lewis reminded us in his last public words.