On Sunday, November 10, activists and storytellers gathered at the Beverly Hilton to celebrate six outstanding honorees and rally for equity and freedom.
Jason George returned to the Bill of Rights stage to emcee the show, honoring Viet Thanh Nguyen, Will Ferrell and Harper Steele, Mark Ruffalo, and Brittney and Cherelle Griner.
Former plaintiff Catherine Moore and activist Yahniie Bridges highlighted their experiences and triumphs organizing for humane conditions in shelters and to end racist family policing practices in California.
“With the support of the ACLU, we sought justice. And while I now have stable housing, I remain committed to advocating for those who are still unhoused,” - Catherine Moore.
Academy Award winning actor Ke Huy Quan presented the Bill of Rights Award to writer Viet Thanh Nguyen for his contributions to the American literary canon and his profound insights into the immigrant and refugee experience and the process of memory and forgetting. He shared with the room, "Writing was also the only way I knew how to love. I loved the beauty of great literature, and I loved the idea of telling stories about people like my parents. I also loved the pursuit of truth and justice, and I thought that literature and activism were crucial to both."
Director of Will and Harper, Josh Greenbaum presented the Bill of Rights Award to Will Ferrell and Harper Steele for championing trans and LGBTQ+ rights and sharing their stories in their moving documentary. Harper accepted the award on both of their behalf:
“My whole life I have heard the four letters ACLU in the context of what’s right and what’s good. I’m here for the ACLU. I am humbled to be in this room. I’m humbled to think that my road trip with Will Ferrell could in any way help the people of this organization carry out the vital work they do.”
Zoe Saldaña presented the Bill of Rights Award to her friend Mark Ruffalo for never shying away from using his platform and career to uplift marginalized groups and progressive causes. Mark reflected on his life as both an actor and activist, sharing, "What I have learned is that people want their stories to be told, to be heard; they want to hear the stories of other people, even and especially those very different from them; much like the spectrum of ACLU SoCal clients and honorees we are hearing tonight."
Finally, Kerry Washington presented a Bill of Rights Award to Brittney and Cherelle Griner for their tireless and influential work in LGBTQ+ rights, houselessness and gender equity, and their inspirational courage and fortitude during Brittney’s unjust incarceration. Brittney accepted the award on both of their behalf, and highlighted hope in the face of adversity, a theme which resonated throughout the night:
“In an uncertain world, remember hope is a muscle, and I have a lot of training in it. I am honored to be here with the allies in this room and thankful for all you are doing to make our country a better place for everyone.”
Thank you to our brilliant Bill of Rights honorees and our supporters joining us in celebration and in our fight to win equality and civil liberties for all.
See more photos of the 2024 ACLU SoCal Bill of Rights Awards and relive the moments.