Social Justice Awards Luncheon Celebration to Honor Grassroots Social Justice Leadership

On October 28, 2018, Columbus made national history when the Washington Gladden Social Justice Park, the first park in the nation dedicated to the theme of social justice, was opened at the corner of Broad Street and Cleveland Avenue. This Park was the vision of the First Congregational Church, which has been fighting for equal rights in Columbus since 1852. Think Make Live Youth honors this vision by hosting the Central Ohio Social Justice Awards Luncheon this year for the third time. 
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The Social Justice Awards mission is to showcase the success and achievements of social justice leadership. Our vision is that social justice leaders will know that their work is valued and will feel honored by their peers for their contributions. 

This year the luncheon celebration will honor grassroots organizers who have nurtured local community groups, developed leadership where none existed, and organized with the unorganized. Often bottom up organizing and social justice leadership go unnoticed. Not in 2021! This year the 2021 Central Ohio Social Justice Awards will honor them at a Luncheon Celebration on Friday, September 24, 2021, from 11AM - 1PM at the Boathouse at Confluence Park. 

This year’s Special Tribute Recipients: 
● Kyle Strickland, Deputy Director of Race and Democracy at the Roosevelt Institute
● People Justice Project, Organizes the Black working class and other oppressed people into leading the struggle against all state institutions that oppress or occupy our communities.
● Wendy Tarr, Executive Director at Vincentian Ohio Action Network 

The Master of Ceremonies will be Rodney Dunigan, anchor and reporter at XSYX ABC6 News. Great food provided by the Boat House will be enhanced by fellowship, inspiring words, and uplifting music. 
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Think Make Live Youth’s Columbus Community Action Team will host the event and present the Social Justice Awards to dedicated social justice leaders in these categories: Community Service, Education Advocacy, Law Enforcement, Legal Advocacy, Public Service, Restorative Justice, and Youth Justice. 

The public and those engaged in the social justice field are invited to nominate people and organizations who are committed to social justice through our online nomination form. To make a nomination, purchase a ticket or become a sponsor visit our event website at www.SocialJusticeAwards.org (Nomination Deadline is Monday, August 16, 2021) 

“It is in your hands to make a better world for all who live in it.” - Nelson Mandela