On September 12, 2024, the Appleseed Foundation hosted the annual Pillars of Justice Awards Celebration at the University of the District of Columbia’s Student Center in Washington, D.C. This event brought together advocates, supporters, and leaders dedicated to advancing justice, equality, and opportunity.
Honoring the 2024 Pillars of Justice
The Pillars of Justice Awards spotlight individuals whose work has made a lasting impact in the field of social justice. This year, we were privileged to recognize three extraordinary leaders:
Wade J. Henderson, former president of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, has spent decades advocating for civil rights and equality. Under his leadership, The Leadership Conference became a formidable voice in advancing civil rights legislation, and Wade continues to provide strategic guidance on diversity and inclusion initiatives to organizations nationwide.
Sherrilyn Ifill, former President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, has been a powerful advocate for equity and justice. Her transformational leadership has shaped the national conversation on racial justice, and she remains a key figure in the fight against systemic inequality.
Jamie Levitt, co-chair of the Commercial Litigation and Trial Group at Morrison & Foerster, is renowned for her expertise in complex litigation and her commitment to public service. Beyond her legal practice, Jamie serves on the boards of several public interest organizations, demonstrating her dedication to improving lives through justice.
Appleseed Advocate of the Year: Teresa Woody
This year’s Advocate of the Year award went to Teresa Woody, Litigation Director for Kansas Appleseed. Teresa’s work includes leading bold impact litigation to protect children in the Kansas foster care system and fighting against discriminatory practices, such as the gang list in Wichita that unfairly targets youth of color. Teresa’s tireless commitment to social justice embodies the values we hold dear at Appleseed, and we are honored to recognize her impactful work.
An Evening of Inspiration and Community
Throughout the night, attendees had the opportunity to hear directly from each honoree, learning more about the challenges they’ve faced and the victories they’ve achieved in their respective fields. Their words were a reminder of the power of persistence, courage, and collaboration in the fight for justice.
The evening also featured powerful moments of community, as friends and supporters came together to celebrate these remarkable individuals and reflect on Appleseed’s mission. We are grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to making the event such a success. Your presence and support are vital to continuing the important work we do together.
We look forward to seeing you at next year’s Pillars of Justice Awards Celebration, where we will continue to honor the champions of justice and celebrate the courage of those fighting for a better future.
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