The Lifetime Legacy Award was established to honor a lifetime of extraordinary achievement in advancing civil rights and social justice. Awarded to Congressman John Lewis himself and renamed the John Lewis Lifetime Legacy Award in his honor after his passing, this prestigious award recognizes leaders whose unwavering commitment to equity and justice reflects the core principles that guided Congressman Lewis— courage, resilience, and transformative action.
The March On! Awards were established to recognize leaders and organizations whose commitment to advancing civil rights and social justice is unparalleled. Honorees exemplify the spirit of activism, advocacy, and creative expression that drives meaningful change. Through their work—whether in the arts, public service, or community leadership—recipients of the March On!™ The lifetime achievement award has only been bestowed upon one other individual.
Presented biennially by Dr. Sharon Malone—renowned OB/GYN and sister of civil rights pioneer Vivian Malone Jones—this award honors contemporary women who demonstrate extraordinary courage in the fight for racial justice. Named after the first African American to graduate from the University of Alabama, the award celebrates those who, like Vivian, boldly confront injustice and inspire progress.
This year, we are delighted to honor commentator, author, television and podcast host Joy-Ann Reid, who will be joined In Conversation with the Honorable Eric Holder, former US Attorney General. With welcoming remarks from Jalaya Liles Dunn, Director of Learning for Justice at the Southern Poverty Law Center, and a special performance by actor Lisa Arrindell.
And at the top of the program, we will also proudly celebrate the creativity and vision of the winners of the Student and Emerging Filmmaker Competition.
Come early! The first 500 people to arrive receive a free copy of Joy-Ann Reid's book Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America.
Partner
We are excited to partner on this event with Metropolitan AME Church, a historic national church at the vanguard of creating space for all human beings to imagine and build a just and beautiful community and world.
