THE MARCH ON AWARDS
The March On Awards were created to recognize leaders, across disciplines, whose commitment to the advancement of civil rights is unwavering. Through their actions, and with courage, they have ignited national conversations, compelled progress, and have used their platforms as instruments for social justice and cultural change. As foot soldiers in the fight against injustice everywhere, we honor their work, commitment, and sustained efforts to continue the march forward.
JOHN ROBERT LEWIS LIFETIME LEGACY AWARD
The John Robert Lewis Lifetime Legacy Award is presented annually to an individual whose life’s work has sought to advance the dignity of all humans, no matter their circumstance. Through grit, determination and, often, personal and physical sacrifice, they, like the Award’s namesake, have fought tirelessly on behalf of our better angels.
Awardees
2024
Stanley Nelson and Marcia Smith and Firelight Media
Stanley Nelson is today’s leading documentarian of the African American experience. Awards received include a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship, five Primetime Emmy Awards, lifetime achievement awards from the Emmys and IDA, and the National Medal in the Humanities from President Obama.
Marcia Smith is the former President of Firelight Media. Under her leadership, Firelight Media was honored with a MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions. She has written several films alongside Stanley Nelson including: Freedom Riders, Through the Fire: The Legacy of Barack Obama, Jonestown, and The Murder of Emmett Till.
In 2000, Mr. Nelson and his wife, Marcia Smith, co-founded Firelight Media, a non-profit organization that provides mentorship, funding, and artistic development opportunities to emerging documentary filmmakers of color.
Senator Cory Booker
- March On! Award
Reginald Dwayne Betts
2023
- March On Lifetime Achievement Award
Reverend Al Sharpton
presented by Symone Sanders Townsend as the March On Lifetime Achievement Award
- March On Lifetime Achievement Award
Senator Raphael Warnock
presented by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley
2022
- March On Lifetime Achievement Award
Irene Gandy
presented by Emilio Sosa
- March On Lifetime Achievement Award
George C. Wolfe
presented by Jeffrey Wright
- March On Lifetime Achievement Award
Congresswoman Barbara Lee
presented by Congressman Jim Clyburn
2021
- March On Lifetime Achievement Award
Donors of Color Network
presented by Reggie Van Lee
- March On Lifetime Achievement Award
Sam Pollard
presented by Judy Richardson
- March On Lifetime Achievement Award
Congressman James Clyburn
presented by Lauren Underwood
2020
- March On Lifetime Achievement Award
Southern Poverty Law Center
accepted by Margaret Huang (presented by Kerry Kennedy)
- March On Lifetime Achievement Award
Congresswoman Maxine Waters
presented by Joy Reid
- March On Lifetime Achievement Award
Congressman John Lewis
presented by Mayor Muriel Bowser posthumously and renamed this year in his honor
2019
- March On Award: Dr. Joyce Ladner (presented by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton)
- March On Award: Peggy Wallace Kennedy (presented by Congressman John Lewis)
- March On Award: Congresswoman Terri Sewell (presented by Senator Doug Jones)
- John Robert Lewis Lifetime Legacy Award: Nikki Giovanni (presented by Dr. Johnetta Cole)