(2023) STEVEN PICO AND CONGRESSWOMAN PRAMILA JAYAPAL were honored for being outspoken trailblazers commitment to fighting censorship and book banning.

In conversation with Gara LaMarche, chair of The New Press Board of Directors, and Christie Hefner, longtime First Amendment advocate.

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(2022) NIKOLE HANNAH-JONES AND FREDERICK A.O. SCHWARZ JR. were honored for their commitment to government accountability and democracy, and paradigm-shifting social and historical analysis.

In conversation with Elie Mystal, an award winning legal analyst, justice correspondent, and bestselling author.

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(2021) PROFESSOR KIMBERLÉ CRENSHAW AND CONGRESSMAN JAMIE RASKIN were honored for their work in exposing racial injustices, upholding democratic norms, and for their contributions towards civil rights.

In conversation with Laura Flanders, an award winning independent journalist and bestselling author.

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(2019) CHARLES M. BLOW AND SHERRILYN IFILL were honored for their commitment to democracy, civil rights, and truth telling and for their contributions to the struggle for a more just and accountable society.

In conversation with Gara LaMarche, chair of The New Press Board of Directors, and a special performance by Heidi Schreck, Tony Award and Pulitzer-Prize nominated and Obie Award-winning playwright and actress.

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(2017) BRYAN STEVENSON was honored for his work, through the Equal Justice Initiative, in confronting racial injustice, advocating for equality, and creating hope for marginalized communities.

In conversation with Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow, and a special performance by Sarah Jones, Tony and Obie Award-winning playwright and actress.

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(2016) JANE MAYER was honored for her uncompromising commitment and contributions to democracy, truth telling, and a free press.

Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Master of Ceremonies

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(2015) ANNA DEAVERE SMITH was honored  for her ability to depict, with penetrating clarity, the most pressing issues of our day.

Laura Flanders, Master of Ceremonies

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(2014) ROBERT “BOB” L. BERNSTEIN AND TONI MORRISON were honored for their steadfast belief in the power of the pen to bring about social change.

Farai Chideya, Master of Ceremonies

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(2013) HARRY BELAFONTE AND PETE SEEGER were honored for their profound understanding of the role that music and the arts can play in social movements.

Calvin Trillin, Master of Ceremonies

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(2012) MICHELLE ALEXANDER AND THE LATE ANDRÉ SCHIFFRIN were honored for their commitment to questioning, examining, and ultimately bringing to light injustices in our society.

Laura Flanders, Master of Ceremonies

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(2011) BOB HERBERT AND JOSEPH E. STIGLITZ were honored for providing serious, accessible, and vital ideas necessary for the health of our democracy.

Laura Walker, Master of Ceremonies

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(2010) ALICE WALKER was honored with our inaugural Social Justice Award for her remarkable ability to use words to bring about truth and social change.

Bill Moyers, Master of Ceremonies

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