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ACLU Honors Champions of Civil Rights at Annual Bill of Rights Awards
The ACLU of Southern California held its annual Bill of Rights Awards on Sunday evening, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the protection of civil liberties. This year’s honorees included actor Mark Ruffalo, the stars of “Will & Harper” — Harper Steele and Will Ferrell — Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen, and sports icon Brittney Griner alongside her wife, Cherelle Griner.
The event occurred just days following the recent election, infusing the evening with a reflective atmosphere. Many speakers underscored the critical role of the ACLU in defending civil rights and advocating for social justice, especially in light of potential challenges posed by a Trump administration. An unsettling moment unfolded as guests arrived at the Beverly Hilton hotel on Wilshire Boulevard, where an SUV festooned with Trump flags passed by with individuals inside shouting “we won.”
Brittney Griner, who endured ten months in a Russian penal facility before being released through a prisoner swap facilitated by the Biden administration in 2022, expressed her admiration for the ACLU during her remarks. Introduced by actress Kerry Washington, Griner stated, “My wife and I have a lot in common with the ACLU. We commit to those who feel marginalized with sincerity and love. We share values with the ACLU, above all a true form of patriotism that believes in an America we have yet to create but aspire to build and defend.”
Viet Thanh Nguyen, whose notable work “The Sympathizer” earned him a Pulitzer Prize, shared his thoughts on the ramifications of a possible second Trump presidency for artists in a brief conversation with Variety on the red carpet. “There’s likely a chilling effect, though it’s hard to quantify since silence obscures the realities of the circumstance,” Nguyen remarked. He continued, “However, there has been increased motivation among writers and artists to speak out, particularly in response to current societal pressures. Recently, we witnessed over 7,000 authors endorsing a petition for a boycott of Israel. This indicates a growing global solidarity among creative professionals, and many will feel urged to express their views.”
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Harper Steele, whose journey and friendship with Ferrell were highlighted in the Netflix documentary “Will & Harper,” shared her concerns about the election’s impact on her as a trans woman. “That alienating fear I struggled to overcome is creeping back,” she noted. “But this conversation is bigger than me. Many across this country face genuine threats to their safety and identity, stripped of the privilege some enjoy. Their health care, family, support systems, and identities are all under siege, and the aggressors have become increasingly assertive.”
Mark Ruffalo, who accepted his award from fellow actor Zoe Saldaña, emphasized the importance of financial contributions to the ACLU. “Now is the time to intensify our efforts and commitment to confront the challenging battles ahead,” he urged.
For further insights and coverage from the ACLU SoCal Bill of Rights Awards, see additional reports available online.
Source
variety.com