To say that 2020 has been a year of great upheaval would almost be an understatement. While societal strife and conflict have always been with us, few of us have lived through both widespread, ongoing protests against racial inequality and police brutality, and a global pandemic that has turned massive economies on their heads.
Well, we’re living through it now. And the leaders who are guiding us through these tumultuous times are receiving some important support and recognition for their efforts.
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A pair of national figures will receive a major honor for their human rights contributions this year.
Dr. Anthony Fauci is one of those national figures, whose role as head of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases has made him a household name during the COVID-19 pandemic. Another receiver of the award is former NFL quarterback and human rights activist Colin Kaepernick. Both will be honored with 2020’s Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Human Rights Awards, Fox News reported.
The awards are named in honor of former senator and attorney general Robert F. Kennedy, who championed human rights and justice causes.
The awards honor leaders “who use their platforms for good and demonstrate a commitment to social change,” according to the organization’s website .
Joining Kaepernick and Fauci in receiving the Ripple of Hope Award this year will be Dolores Huerta, who co-founded the United Farm Workers of America; PayPal CEO Dan Schulman; and Dan Springer, the CEO of DocuSign.
This prestigious group is highly deserving of the honor, the organization said.
“At a time when the courageous pursuit of equality and justice has become political and riddled with adversity, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights stands with these modern-day human rights defenders in their inspirational fight for progress,” the organization said in a statement.
“Our country is yearning for leadership, for moral fortitude, for common decency and kindness, and this year’s Ripple of Hope laureates give us great hope for the future,” Kerry Kennedy added, according to CNN .
Past recipients of the Ripple of Hope award include Barack Obama, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, author J.K. Rowling, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and singer Harry Belafonte.
“In 2017, I was in the audience honoring Mr. Harry Belafonte as he accepted the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award,” Kaepernick said in a press release. “I am humbled to follow the footsteps of individuals like Mr. B and to be in the company of all the other laureates. Thank you for this prestigious award.”
The awards gala will be held virtually on December 10.
