George Soros on Climate Change and Rising Authoritarianism Open Society Foundations 2024-10-22 | George Soros on Climate Change and Rising Authoritarianism
Beyond the Ballot: Nigeria’s Role in a Changing World Open Society Foundations 2023-05-19 | In a region plagued by climate breakdown, armed conflict, food insecurity, and extreme poverty, will Nigeria’s newly-elected president set out the kind of effective development agenda needed for a more positive and productive period ahead?Learn more: opensocietyfoundations.org/events/beyond-the-ballot-nigeria-s-role-in-a-changing-world
Inside Open Society: Salil Shetty, Vice President, Global Open Society Foundations 2023-05-15 | “Open society means something very real to me.” Open Society’s Salil Shetty came of age when basic freedoms were curtailed in India. Now he fights for these freedoms by shaping our work at the global level using the tools of grant making, impact investing, and strategic litigation. Against the background of authoritarians worldwide gaining and keeping power by scapegoating minorities, attacking rights, and using elections to gain legitimacy, Salil believes in global and local approaches being intertwined to countering this threat. Working with movements, including those led by women and young people, is key to fortifying democracy, open society, and human rights. Learn more: opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/topics/inside-open-society
One Year into the Full-Scale Invasion: Europe’s Role in Securing Ukraine’s Victory Open Society Foundations 2023-05-15 | On the eve of the one-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, this panel discussion focuses on Germany’s role in turning the tide in the Russian war against Ukraine.Learn more: opensocietyfoundations.org/events/one-year-into-the-full-scale-invasion-europe-s-role-in-securing-ukraine-s-victory
Paths of Victory: How Ukraine’s EU Integration Can Help Win the War Open Society Foundations 2023-03-24 | Marking one year since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, this event discusses what the EU should do to ensure Ukraine’s membership prospects remain credible and how Ukraine’s government can deliver on its complex reform agenda in wartime conditions.Learn more: opensocietyfoundations.org/events/paths-of-victory-how-ukraine-s-eu-integration-can-help-win-the-war Note: The video has been trimmed at 51:41 due to poor audio quality.
Inside Open Society: Natalie Samarasinghe, Global Director for Advocacy Open Society Foundations 2023-03-23 | “Democracy isn’t about having the perfect constitution or being able to vote every few years. It’s about making your life better.”Open Society’s Natalie Samarasinghe brings her commitment to justice, borne of her global experiences, to her role as global director for advocacy. Her aim is to build up movements worldwide to to improve all peoples’ lives through democracies that work for all. Against the background of a rising cost-of-living crisis, the climate emergency, and the global reverberations of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Samarasinghe underscores the importance of listening to our local partners and providing them with the vital tools to overcome the challenges they face as they build better, more open societies.Inside Open Society is a look at the leaders at the Open Society Foundations who are advancing our vision to address the world’s most urgent threats to democracy and human rights at a transformative scale. Learn more: opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/shared-global-threats-demand-solutions-shaped-by-justice
Social Equity Up Front: A Progress Report on Cannabis Regulation from New York Officials Open Society Foundations 2023-03-21 | This panel discussion explores how cannabis regulation in New York is going and lessons that can be learned by other jurisdictions considering cannabis reforms that place social justice as a top priority.Learn more: opensocietyfoundations.org/events/social-equity-up-front-a-progress-report-on-cannabis-regulation-from-new-york-officials
Inside Open Society: Premesh Chandran, Open Society-Asia Pacific Open Society Foundations 2023-03-06 | As an independent journalist in Malaysia, Open Society’s Premesh Chandran has seen firsthand how freedom of expression can lead to meaningful change. He brings that experience to his role as the executive director of Open Society–Asia Pacific.Asia’s tremendous growth over the past few decades has led to rising inequality, a looming debt crisis, and growing religious nationalism. Yet the continent’s deep traditions of pluralism and democracy, Chandran says, gives it a strong base on which to build more open and tolerant societies. This is what powers his team’s work when supporting local, often smaller, partner organizations. Learn more: opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/time-to-revive-asia-s-tradition-of-openness
Inside Open Society: Mary Fitzgerald, Expression Open Society Foundations 2023-03-03 | As a former journalist, nothing is closer to Mary Fitzgerald’s heart than supporting fearless, independent media. Journalism and art play an important role in open societies, both in holding power to account but also by inspiring us to build a better world. As director of Open Society’s Expression work, Fitzgerald is ensuring that the journalists, artists, and activists can do this work free of harassment, threats, and violence. Inside Open Society is a look at the leaders at the Open Society Foundations who are advancing our vision to address the world’s most urgent threats to democracy and human rights at a transformative scale. Learn more: opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/how-expression-inspires-change
We Cannot Back Down from Supporting Ukraine Open Society Foundations 2023-03-02 | If Ukraine falls, the consequences will haunt the world for generations. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine one year ago upended the global economic and political system, and the scale of human rights violations and devastation cannot continue with impunity. It is becoming increasingly clear that Putin won't accept peace, which is why after a year of resistance Ukraine needs more—not less—support. Open Society has supported democracy in Ukraine since its independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Throughout the past year, Open Society has supported Ukraine’s civil society as they have delivered medicine, sheltered displaced families, and documented war crimes even as the bombs kept falling. These people are the future of Ukrainian democracy, and we cannot back down now.Read more from Open Society president Mark Malloch-Brown: justsecurity.org/85247/if-ukraine-falls-consequences-will-haunt-the-worldLearn more about Open Society’s work in Ukraine: opensocietyfoundations.org/newsroom/the-open-society-foundations-in-ukraine
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Acts Open Society Foundations 2023-02-25 | Oleksandra Matviichuk leads Ukraine’s Centre for Civil Liberties (CCL)—the first Ukrainian organization to be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize, for its work in defense of human rights. Since Russia began its aggression against Ukraine in 2014, CCL has been focused on documenting war crimes and other abuses perpetrated by its forces.Matviichuk works with a network of civilian investigators who have recorded tens of thousands of often horrific individual cases of suffering—work being done by ordinary people who have taken on extraordinary challenges for the sake of accountability, justice, and the future of their country.Open Society’s foundation in Ukraine—the International Renaissance Foundation—is proud to be a core supporter of CCL, just one of the many civilian organizations whose courage and commitment continue to play a vital role in Ukraine’s resistance to Russia’s criminal aggression.Read more about CCL and Oleksandra Matviichuk here: https://ccl.org.ua/en/news/ukraine-challenging-path-to-freedom/Read more from Oleksandra Matviichuk: washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/02/19/matviichuk-ukraine-peace-justice-accountabilityLearn more about Open Society’s work in Ukraine: opensocietyfoundations.org/newsroom/the-open-society-foundations-in-ukraine
Freedom Is Not Free: Lessons from a Year of War in Ukraine Open Society Foundations 2023-02-22 | Over the past year, Ukraine has shown the world what it means to fight for freedom and democracy. At the core of that effort has been the country’s civil society: the journalists, health workers, war crimes investigators, and activists who have strived for justice and peace even under the harshest circumstances. Open Society’s foundation in Ukraine—the International Renaissance Foundation—has supported over 500 non-governmental organizations that have been working throughout the war. Our commitment to these open society defenders has not wavered, and will continue as Ukraine looks toward rebuilding its country on an even stronger foundation. Read more from International Renaissance Foundation Executive Director Oleksandr Sushko: opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/q-and-a-forging-a-future-under-fireLearn more about Open Society’s work in Ukraine: opensocietyfoundations.org/newsroom/the-open-society-foundations-in-ukraine
The Future of Global Democracy Open Society Foundations 2022-12-08 | This dynamic discussion presents concrete ideas for how to improve democracy, in the United States and around the world.Learn more: opensocietyfoundations.org/events/the-future-of-global-democracy
Inside Open Society: Issandr Amrani, Executive Director of Open Society–Middle East and North Africa Open Society Foundations 2022-12-02 | “The slogans of 2011: bread, dignity, social justice are still what people aspire to.” After many false starts in reforms in the Middle East and North Africa, Open Society’s Issandr Amrani @arabist points to partners’ successes in building a better future for the region. Open Society works in the region to promote democratic governance and to protect human rights amid entrenched regional conflicts and political restrictions.Learn more: opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/building-a-brighter-future-for-the-middle-east-and-north-africa-region
Inside Open Society: Pedro Abramovay, Open Society–Latin America and the Caribbean Open Society Foundations 2022-11-17 | Growing up in Brazil, I always thought I had no option but to dedicate my life to fight inequalities, to fight for justice, and to fight for democracy.”Over the past decade, a new wave of progressive, democratic movements have been transforming societies across Latin America and the Caribbean. Behind that progress is the work of activists and civil society organizations. Executive Director for Open Society–Latin America and the Caribbean Pedro Abramovay talks about our work and the bright future of democracy in the region. Inside Open Society is a look at the leaders at the Open Society Foundations who are advancing our vision to address the world’s most urgent threats to democracy and human rights at a transformative scale.Learn more: opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/striving-to-safeguard-democracy-in-latin-america-and-the-caribbean
Inside Open Society: Yamide Dagnet, Director of Climate Justice Open Society Foundations 2022-11-03 | “All hands on deck!” Tackling climate change is urgent but often fails to put people at the center, especially those most vulnerable to its effects. Our director of Climate Justice Yamide Dagnet explains how we work for inclusive climate solutions.Learn more: opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/climate-justice-the-ultimate-challenge-of-our-age
Ukraine’s Reconstruction and Recovery: A Modern and Inclusive Marshall Plan for the Way Forward Open Society Foundations 2022-10-27 | Open Society and the German Marshall Fund of the United States host a timely event in response to the International Expert Conference on the Recovery, Reconstruction, and Modernization of Ukraine.Learn more: opensocietyfoundations.org/events/ukraine-s-reconstruction-and-recovery-a-modern-and-inclusive-marshall-plan-for-the-way-forward-live-stream
Inside Open Society: Laura Carvalho, Director of Equity Open Society Foundations 2022-10-20 | “The main barriers to equity are political.” Bringing her experience growing up in Brazil, one of the world's most unequal countries, and her economics expertise, our Director of Equity Laura Carvalho leads our work to tackle global inequity—especially amid the cost of living crisis. Inequality hurts workers, degrades democracies and fuels the rise of authoritarianism. By building more inclusive and sustainable economies, Open Society works to improve peoples’ lives—and the governments who serve them.Learn more: opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/the-vital-fight-to-advance-equity-for-all
Remember to Reclaim—Confronting Colonial Pasts and the Way Forward Open Society Foundations 2022-08-04 | In 2018, Sylvie Njobati launched a global campaign demanding the return of the Ngonnso statue from the Ethnological Museum in Berlin. Looted from the Nso people over 120 years ago, now is the time for its return home.
Repairing the Harms of the Drug War Open Society Foundations 2022-06-27 | Recognizing June 26—the Support Don’t Punish Global Day of Action—panelists from the U.S., Brazil, and the Philippines explore the consequences of failed drug policy and how reparations are crucial to creating a post-prohibitionist future.Learn more: opensocietyfoundations.org/events/repairing-the-harms-of-the-drug-war
Holding Russia Accountable for War Crimes in Ukraine Open Society Foundations 2022-06-14 | Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the world has witnessed attacks on civilians, executions, torture, and other war crimes and crimes against humanity. Investigators, journalists, advocates, and prosecutors are gathering evidence and building a case to ultimately hold the perpetrators accountable. While this process may take months or even years, as our James A. Goldston says, “justice may be delayed, but it will not be denied.” Learn more about what is being done to track, investigate, and prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine: opensocietyfoundations.org/explainers/how-to-hold-russia-accountable-for-war-crimes-in-ukraine
Solidarity Is Key to Preserving Ukraine’s Future Open Society Foundations 2022-06-06 | From the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Europe has responded with solidarity. Our Viorel Ursu explains why this solidarity is not only important now, but is crucial to help rebuild and seek accountability once the fighting subsides.We are proud to stand with civil society organizations on the ground in Ukraine. Read more through the link in our bio.Learn more: opensocietyfoundations.org/ukraine
The EU Is Standing With Ukraine Open Society Foundations 2022-06-06 | “Russia’s war in Ukraine is an attack on freedom, democracy, and stability in Europe,” says Daniela Schwarzer, our executive director of Europe and Eurasia. While Europe has so far responded with solidarity, it will soon face new challenges including Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, and how to confront the growing friendship between Russia and China. We are stepping up our support for Ukrainians working for democracy and human rights, as their country faces the existential threat to its independence. Learn more: opensocietyfoundations.org/ukraine
To Respond to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, the UN Must Change Open Society Foundations 2022-06-06 | From refugees to humanitarian aid to holding Russia accountable, the UN has to change in order to respond to the war in Ukraine. After years of experience working in the UN, Natalie Samarasinghe, our Global Director of Advocacy, knows that the UN and the rest of the international community can do more to step up for Ukraine. We have always stood on the side of democracy and justice, and are proud to stand with the people of Ukraine.Learn more: opensocietyfoundations.org/ukraine
Peace Is Not a Given, We Cannot Take it for Granted Open Society Foundations 2022-06-06 | Open Society’s Viorel Ursu was 17 when Russian tanks rolled into his home country of Moldova, on the eve of his high school graduation. What followed was reminiscent of what millions of Ukrainians went through in 2014, and now again in 2022. As Viorel says, “The war in Ukraine is a reminder—both to the people but also politicians—that we shouldn’t take peace or democracy for granted.”Learn more: opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/q-and-a-standing-up-for-ukraine
Fueling the War: Why Energy Sanctions Matter and How to Make Them Effective Open Society Foundations 2022-05-26 | Sanctions on Russian energy imports to Europe would curb Putin’s ability to fund his war on Ukraine more than any other measure. What makes energy sanctions such a potent tool and would they have the desired effect on the regime in Moscow?Learn more: opensocietyfoundations.org/events/fueling-the-war-why-energy-sanctions-matter-and-how-to-make-them-effective
George Soros on Russia, China and the Fight of Our Lives: Remarks Delivered at Davos Open Society Foundations 2022-05-25 | Open Society Founder and Chair George Soros painted a stark portrait of the global state of affairs in a speech at the 2022 World Economic Forum on May 24, suggesting that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “may have been the beginning of the Third World War”—posing an existential threat to civilization as we know it.Repressive regimes are ascendant, while the open societies Soros has sought to foster through his philanthropic work are under siege, he said. Aided by the rise of artificial intelligence, social media and tech platforms, Russia and China today pose the greatest threat.But cracks are beginning to show in both of these repressive regimes. China’s Xi Jinping has misled his people about his government’s ability to protect them from the ravages of COVID-19. And Russia’s Vladimir Putin has grossly overestimated his military’s capabilities in the invasion of Ukraine, shocking the world’s conscience with his brutality and rallying Europe in ways that could “strengthen both its energy security and leadership on climate.”Read the full speech at: georgesoros.com/2022/05/24/remarks-delivered-at-the-2022-world-economic-forum-in-davos©2022 Bloomberg L.P.
Why the War in Ukraine Threatens Us All Open Society Foundations 2022-05-04 | The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a defining moment in the confrontation between authoritarianism and democratic, accountable government. In the words of our president Mark Malloch-Brown, the conflict is about values, and not just national interests. In a conflict that will affect us all, we must defend the open society values of equality, justice, and free expression—all now under assault amid the fighting in Ukraine. We are stepping up our support for Ukrainians working for democracy and human rights, as their country faces the existential threat to its independence. Learn more at: opensocietyfoundations.org/newsroom/open-society-launches-fund-for-a-free-and-democratic-ukraine
Be the Enemy Open Society Foundations 2022-05-03 | Speaking freely. Listening to debate. Holding up a protest sign. Voting. Or maybe just choosing who we want to dance with. In some places, these things make you the enemy. “Be the Enemy” reminds us: Russia's war against Ukraine and its democracy is part of a wider global struggle—one we all have a part in. So, be the enemy. Learn more: opensocietyfoundations.org/ukraine
Bolstering Ukraine’s Wartime Economy and Planning for Recovery: The Ukrainian Perspective Open Society Foundations 2022-04-22 | Leading Ukrainian economists and experts discuss the devastating impacts of the Russian invasion and the international responses they want to see to sustain Ukraine’s wartime economy and future reconstruction.Learn more: opensocietyfoundations.org/events/bolstering-ukraine-s-wartime-economy-and-planning-for-recovery-the-ukrainian-perspective
Papo Aberto | A Violência Política Contra Mulheres Open Society Foundations 2022-03-31 | As mulheres estão, cada vez mais, ganhando espaço dentro da política. Mas será que suas vozes são respeitadas? A violência contra mulheres na política é o tema do Papo Aberto, com a medição da jornalista Patrícia Campos Mello, da Folha de S. Paulo, e participação de Anielle Franco, da senadora Kátia Abreu e de Manuela D’Ávila.
Racial Equity in Community Violence Intervention Open Society Foundations 2022-03-30 | Addressing the need for racial equity in community violence intervention funding, this panel discussion offers concrete recommendations for reducing barriers that prevent innovative actors from accessing U.S. government funds.Learn more: opensocietyfoundations.org/events/racial-equity-in-community-violence-intervention
Drugs and Elections: How to Advance Drug Policy Reform Open Society Foundations 2022-03-23 | This side event at the 65th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs explores the relationship between drug policy and both local and national elections.Learn more: opensocietyfoundations.org/events/drugs-and-elections-how-to-advance-drug-policy-reform
Ukraine Will Not Be Subjugated Open Society Foundations 2022-03-17 | Ukrainians choose to move toward democracy and open society. That is why Putin is trying to destroy Ukraine, says Oleksandr Sushko of our International Renaissance Foundation in Ukraine. As Ukrainians show resilience in the face of this great threat, the activists and volunteers that make up the country's vibrant civil society sector are working to help deliver medicine and supplies, relocate neighbors, and document war crimes. We have launched the Ukraine Democracy Fund to preserve and advance Ukraine's civil society sector — and rally other donors to join this crucial mission. Learn more: opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/defending-civil-society-in-ukraine#OpenSociety #Ukraine #StandWithUkraine #SlavaUkraini #СлаваУкраїні
Remembering Paul Farmer Open Society Foundations 2022-03-15 | Dr. Paul Farmer, the global health pioneer, passed away unexpectedly on February 21 at the age of 62. A renowned infectious disease specialist, Farmer co-founded Partners In Health, which Open Society has supported, in Haiti after a visit to the country inspired him to dedicate his life to providing health care in some of the most underserved communities in the world.
Colette Pichon Battle | New Orleans, LA | Open Society Justice Rising Awardee Open Society Foundations 2022-02-09 | Colette Pichon Battle is the founder and executive director of the Gulf Coast Center for Law & Policy and is a leading voice on the intersections of climate change impacts, race, equitable disaster planning and recovery, and human rights. Pichon Battle co-chairs the national Water Equity and Climate Resilience Caucus and is the lead architect of the national Just Transition Lawyering Network, the national Red, Black and Green New Deal at the Movement for Black Lives and Gulf South for a Green New Deal, an initiative of over 300 organizations across the five Gulf South states and Puerto Rico. The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are an investment in Black leaders working towards racial justice and equality in the United States. The 16 awardees from across the country are being recognized for their long-term contributions to advancing change in their communities, tireless commitment to civil rights, and capacity to inspire, innovate, and mobilize people despite considerable odds. The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are part of a larger investment in racial justice by the Open Society Foundations.Learn more about the awards at opensocietyjusticerising.orgLearn more about the Open Society Foundations at opensocietyfoundations.org
Fania E. Davis | Oakland, CA | Open Society Justice Rising Open Society Foundations 2022-02-09 | Fania E. Davis is a leading voice on the intersections of racial and restorative justice. She is a long-time social justice activist, civil rights trial attorney, author, and public speaker with a PhD in Indigenous knowledge. Co-founder of Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth and the National Association of Community and Restorative Justice, Davis has received numerous honors, including the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Restorative Justice and the Ebony POWER 100 award. The Los Angeles Times named her a New Civil Rights Leader of the 21st Century. Among her publications is The Little Book of Race and Restorative Justice: Black Lives, Justice, and U.S. Social Transformation.The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are an investment in Black leaders working towards racial justice and equality in the United States. The 16 awardees from across the country are being recognized for their long-term contributions to advancing change in their communities, tireless commitment to civil rights, and capacity to inspire, innovate, and mobilize people despite considerable odds. The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are part of a larger investment in racial justice by the Open Society Foundations.Learn more about the awards at opensocietyjusticerising.orgLearn more about the Open Society Foundations at opensocietyfoundations.org
Prentiss Haney | Cincinnati, OH | Open Society Justice Rising Awardee Open Society Foundations 2022-02-09 | Prentiss Haney is a veteran community organizer and strategist and currently co-executive director of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative, which builds grassroots voter engagement and leadership programs for Black communities in Ohio. In 2017, he co-founded the Midwest Culture Lab, supporting young artists of color as cultural strategists to increase youth civic participation during elections.The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are an investment in Black leaders working towards racial justice and equality in the United States. The 16 awardees from across the country are being recognized for their long-term contributions to advancing change in their communities, tireless commitment to civil rights, and capacity to inspire, innovate, and mobilize people despite considerable odds. The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are part of a larger investment in racial justice by the Open Society Foundations.Learn more about the awards at opensocietyjusticerising.orgLearn more about the Open Society Foundations at opensocietyfoundations.org
Desmond Meade | Orlando, FL | Open Society Justice Rising Awardee Open Society Foundations 2022-02-09 | Desmond Meade is executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, an organization committed to ending the disenfranchisement of and discrimination against people with convictions. In 2018, Meade led the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition to a historic victory with the passage of Amendment 4, which allowed an estimated 1.4 million Floridians to register to vote. Formerly homeless, Meade is now the chair of Floridians for a Fair Democracy, a MacArthur Fellow, and a graduate of Florida International University College of Law.The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are an investment in Black leaders working towards racial justice and equality in the United States. The 16 awardees from across the country are being recognized for their long-term contributions to advancing change in their communities, tireless commitment to civil rights, and capacity to inspire, innovate, and mobilize people despite considerable odds. The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are part of a larger investment in racial justice by the Open Society Foundations.Learn more about the awards at https://www.OpenSocietyJusticeRising.orgLearn more about the Open Society Foundations at https://www.OpenSocietyFoundations.org
Makani Themba | Jackson, MS | Open Society Justice Rising Awardee Open Society Foundations 2022-02-09 | Makani Themba is chief strategist at Higher Ground Change Strategies, based in Jackson, Mississippi. She has spent more than 20 years supporting organizations in developing high impact change initiatives. Themba’s life, work, and practice have been centered around advancing Black liberation.The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are an investment in Black leaders working towards racial justice and equality in the United States. The 16 awardees from across the country are being recognized for their long-term contributions to advancing change in their communities, tireless commitment to civil rights, and capacity to inspire, innovate, and mobilize people despite considerable odds. The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are part of a larger investment in racial justice by the Open Society Foundations.Learn more about the awards at https://www.OpenSocietyJusticeRising.orgLearn more about the Open Society Foundations at https://www.OpenSocietyFoundations.org
Dara Cooper | Atlanta, GA | Open Society Justice Rising Awardee Open Society Foundations 2022-02-09 | Dara Cooper is the co-founder and current strategic advisor for the National Black Food and Justice Alliance, which represents hundreds of Black urban and rural farmers, organizers, and land stewards based nationwide. They work towards an intergenerational, urban/rural movement to map, assess, train, and deepen the organizing, institution building, and advocacy work protecting Black land and food sovereignty.The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are an investment in Black leaders working towards racial justice and equality in the United States. The 16 awardees from across the country are being recognized for their long-term contributions to advancing change in their communities, tireless commitment to civil rights, and capacity to inspire, innovate, and mobilize people despite considerable odds. The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are part of a larger investment in racial justice by the Open Society Foundations.Learn more about the awards at https://www.OpenSocietyJusticeRising.orgLearn more about the Open Society Foundations at https://www.OpenSocietyFoundations.org
Gloriann Sacha Antonetty-Lebrón | San Juan, PR | Open Society Justice Rising Awardee Open Society Foundations 2022-02-09 | Gloriann Sacha Antonetty-Lebrón is an Afro-Puerto Rican writer, communication strategist, and professor. She is the founder of Revista étnica, the first multimedia platform and magazine in Puerto Rico to represent the Caribbean archipelago’s vast and diverse Afro-Latinx population. In addition to her published collection of poems, Hebras, she has written short stories and academic articles and papers.The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are an investment in Black leaders working towards racial justice and equality in the United States. The 16 awardees from across the country are being recognized for their long-term contributions to advancing change in their communities, tireless commitment to civil rights, and capacity to inspire, innovate, and mobilize people despite considerable odds. The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are part of a larger investment in racial justice by the Open Society Foundations.Learn more about the awards at https://OpenSocietyJusticeRising.org.Learn more about the Open Society Foundations at http://OpenSocietyFoundations.org
Monica Raye Simpson | Atlanta, GA | Open Society Justice Rising Awardee Open Society Foundations 2022-02-09 | Monica Raye Simpson is executive director of SisterSong: the national Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective. Simpson is a queer Black North Carolina native, and has organized extensively against human rights abuse, the prison industry, racism, and systemic violence against Southern Black women and LBGTQ people. A singer and spoken word artist who infuses art into her activism, Simpson created Artists United for Reproductive Justice as a project of SisterSong, a platform for artists to collaborate on replicable artwork that furthers the reproductive justice movement.The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are an investment in Black leaders working towards racial justice and equality in the United States. The 16 awardees from across the country are being recognized for their long-term contributions to advancing change in their communities, tireless commitment to civil rights, and capacity to inspire, innovate, and mobilize people despite considerable odds. The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are part of a larger investment in racial justice by the Open Society Foundations.Learn more about the awards at https://www.OpenSocietyJusticeRising.org.Learn more about the Open Society Foundations at https://www.OpenSocietyFoundations.org
Markasa Tucker-Harris | Milwaukee, WI | Open Society Justice Rising Awardee Open Society Foundations 2022-02-09 | Markasa Tucker-Harris is executive director of the African American Roundtable in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The African American Roundtable is an assembly of partners led by and serving the Black population of Milwaukee. The organization launched the LiberateMKE campaign in 2019, demanding that community investments include affordable quality housing/cooperative initiatives, public health, and violence prevention/alternatives. Through this campaign, AART mobilized and organized residents through training, advocacy, and educational opportunities.The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are an investment in Black leaders working towards racial justice and equality in the United States. The 16 awardees from across the country are being recognized for their long-term contributions to advancing change in their communities, tireless commitment to civil rights, and capacity to inspire, innovate, and mobilize people despite considerable odds. The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are part of a larger investment in racial justice by the Open Society Foundations.Learn more about the awards at https://www.OpenSocietyJusticeRising.org.Learn more about the Open Society Foundations at https://www.OpenSocietyFoundations.org
Deborah Peterson Small | Oakland, CA | Open Society Justice Rising Awardee Open Society Foundations 2022-02-09 | Deborah Peterson Small is a nationally recognized leader in the drug policy reform movement and has been a major catalyst in engaging communities of color to address the negative impacts of the war on drugs in their communities. She founded Break the Chains: Communities of Color and the War on Drugs, whose mission is to help build a movement in communities of color in support of drug policy reform. The goal is to replace failed drug policies with alternatives based on science, compassion, public health, and human rights.The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are an investment in Black leaders working towards racial justice and equality in the United States. The 16 awardees from across the country are being recognized for their long-term contributions to advancing change in their communities, tireless commitment to civil rights, and capacity to inspire, innovate, and mobilize people despite considerable odds. The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are part of a larger investment in racial justice by the Open Society Foundations.Learn more about the awards at https://www.OpenSocietyJusticeRising.orgLearn more about the Open Society Foundations at https://www.OpenSocietyFoundations.org
Celebrating Black Leadership in Racial Justice | Open Society Justice Rising Awards Open Society Foundations 2022-02-09 | The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are an investment in Black leaders working towards racial justice and equality in the United States. The 16 awardees from across the country are being recognized for their long-term contributions to advancing change in their communities, tireless commitment to civil rights, and capacity to inspire, innovate, and mobilize people despite considerable odds. The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are part of a larger investment in racial justice by the Open Society Foundations.Learn more about the awards at https://www.OpenSocietyJusticeRising.orgLearn more about the Open Society Foundations at https://www.OpenSocietyFoundations.org
Dustin Gibson | Baltimore, MD | Open Society Justice Rising Awardee Open Society Foundations 2022-02-09 | Dustin Gibson is the director of Access, Disability, and Language Justice at PeoplesHub, an online training organization. His work addresses the nexus between race, class, and disability with an emphasis on ending institutionalization and incarceration and building power through peer support.The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are an investment in Black leaders working towards racial justice and equality in the United States. The 16 awardees from across the country are being recognized for their long-term contributions to advancing change in their communities, tireless commitment to civil rights, and capacity to inspire, innovate, and mobilize people despite considerable odds. The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are part of a larger investment in racial justice by the Open Society Foundations.Learn more about the awards at https://www.OpenSocietyJusticeRising.orgLearn more about the Open Society Foundations at https://www.OpenSocietyFoundations.org
Amber Goodwin | Austin, TX | Open Society Justice Rising Awardee Open Society Foundations 2022-02-09 | Amber Goodwin is founding director of the Community Justice Action Fund and the Community Justice Reform Coalition. Community Justice builds power with and for communities of color to end gun violence through policy change. Previously, Goodwin testified in front of the House Judiciary Committee at the first ever Congressional hearing on urban gun violence and helped lead efforts to pass federal, state, and local laws in support of community violence intervention programs. Goodwin has spent 20 years working on progressive issues, including policy campaigns fighting for health insurance reform and voting rights, and she was an organizer for the Service Employees International Union’s Justice for Janitors campaign.The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are an investment in Black leaders working towards racial justice and equality in the United States. The 16 awardees from across the country are being recognized for their long-term contributions to advancing change in their communities, tireless commitment to civil rights, and capacity to inspire, innovate, and mobilize people despite considerable odds. The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are part of a larger investment in racial justice by the Open Society Foundations.Learn more about the awards at https://www.OpenSocietyJusticeRising.orgLearn more about the Open Society Foundations at https://www.OpenSocietyFoundations.org
LaTosha Brown | Atlanta, GA | Open Society Justice Rising Awardee Open Society Foundations 2022-02-09 | LaTosha Brown is co-founder of Black Voters Matter. In addition to spearheading numerous initiatives and campaigns to empower marginalized communities in the South, Brown is leading several international efforts to provide training, support, and funding for women-led institutions based in Belize, Guyana, Senegal, and Tanzania. Through her singing and songwriting, she is shifting the narrative of African Americans via media, campaigns, and nonprofit projects.The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are an investment in Black leaders working towards racial justice and equality in the United States. The 16 awardees from across the country are being recognized for their long-term contributions to advancing change in their communities, tireless commitment to civil rights, and capacity to inspire, innovate, and mobilize people despite considerable odds. The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are part of a larger investment in racial justice by the Open Society Foundations.Learn more about the awards at https://www.OpenSocietyJusticeRising.orgLearn more about the Open Society Foundations at https://www.OpenSocietyFoundations.org
Maurice Mitchell | Long Beach, NY | Open Society Justice Rising Awardee Open Society Foundations 2022-02-09 | Maurice Mitchell is a nationally recognized social movement strategist, a visionary leader in the Movement for Black Lives, the national director of the Working Families Party, and the executive director of Working Families Power. He is a graduate of Howard University.The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are an investment in Black leaders working towards racial justice and equality in the United States. The 16 awardees from across the country are being recognized for their long-term contributions to advancing change in their communities, tireless commitment to civil rights, and capacity to inspire, innovate, and mobilize people despite considerable odds. The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are part of a larger investment in racial justice by the Open Society Foundations.Learn more about the awards at https://www.OpenSocietyJusticeRising.orgLearn more about the Open Society Foundations at https://www.OpenSocietyFoundations.org
Tarana J. Burke | New York, NY | Open Society Justice Rising Awardee Open Society Foundations 2022-02-09 | Tarana J. Burke has worked as an activist and advocate at the intersection of sexual violence and racial justice for more than 25 years. Fueled by commitments to interrupt sexual violence and other systemic inequalities disproportionately impacting marginalized people, particularly Black women and girls, Burke has created and led various campaigns focused on increasing access to resources and support for impacted communities, including the “Me Too” movement, which to date has galvanized millions of survivors and allies around the world.The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are an investment in Black leaders working towards racial justice and equality in the United States. The 16 awardees from across the country are being recognized for their long-term contributions to advancing change in their communities, tireless commitment to civil rights, and capacity to inspire, innovate, and mobilize people despite considerable odds. The Open Society Justice Rising Awards are part of a larger investment in racial justice by the Open Society Foundations.Learn more about the awards at https://www.OpenSocietyJusticeRising.orgLearn more about the Open Society Foundations at https://www.OpenSocietyFoundations.org
