ASU-Reebok-ACLU Partner to Relaunch Reebok Human Rights Award Program to Honor Young Activists!

 

 

Reebok today announced the return of its celebrated Reebok Human Rights Award program which, beginning in 2021, will annually honor extraordinary young human rights activists under 30 years of age. The program is being revitalized in close partnership with Alabama State University (ASU) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

 

Each of the honorees, who will be announced at a ceremony in June, will receive a $100,000 award to support them and their work.

 

In addition, Reebok is announcing the program’s newly reconstituted Board of Advisors, which will include Anthony D. Romero, Executive Director of the ACLU; Amber Hikes, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer of the ACLU; Hall of Fame rugby player and entrepreneur Phaidra Knight (ASU Alumna); Dr. Regina Moorer, Assistant Professor at ASU; immigrant rights activist Sara Mora; the National Director for the Youth and College Division at the NAACP, Tiffany Dena Loftin; former NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal; and Reebok Vice President of Creative Direction and Founder of Pyer Moss, Kerby Jean-Raymond. Additional Board members will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

 

The Reebok Human Rights Awards program, which previously ran from 1988 to 2007, has a legacy of more than 80 recipients from nearly 40 countries. The legacy program highlighted individuals doing impactful work to promote human rights and fight injustice and provided funds to help them continue in their vocation. Past recipients include Winona LaDuke (1988); Li Lui, Wang Dan, Chai Ling, and Wu’Er KaiXi (1989); Bryan Stevenson (1989); Van Jones (1998); and Vanita Gupta (2004).

 

“The need for activism to promote equality and the rights of all humans has arguably never been greater. We are proud to, once again, celebrate and support young individuals who have dedicated their lives to fighting injustice and creating a better world,” said Reebok President Matt O’Toole. “And we are incredibly fortunate and grateful to be able to re-launch the program with the support of the ACLU and Alabama State University. Together we believe this program can be a catalyst for meaningful change.”

 

 

“We’re excited to join with Reebok and Alabama State University to recognize and honor the new generation of innovative social activists,” said Anthony Romero, Executive Director of the ACLU. “We look forward to joining forces with these change makers to dismantle systemic racism and build our communities up based on principles of equality.”

 

"Reebok was a pioneer in recognizing human rights work by young activists and elevating, supporting and highlighting important issues and causes,” said Bryan Stevenson, Founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative. “When I received the award in 1989, I met co-awardees and inspiring advocates from China, Brazil, Northern Ireland who have become life-long partners in human rights. At a time when so many young people are doing such extraordinary work to make the world more just, equitable and safe, I'm delighted to see the revival of the Reebok Human Rights Award."

 

Nominations for the 2021 Reebok Human Rights Award are now open. To nominate someone (nominees must be under the age of 30) or for more information on the program go to: www.reebok.com/human_rights_award

 

Reebok International Ltd., headquartered in Boston, MA, USA, is a leading worldwide designer, marketer and distributor of fitness and lifestyle footwear, apparel and equipment. An American-inspired global brand, Reebok is a pioneer in the sporting goods industry with a rich and storied fitness heritage. Reebok develops products, technologies and programming that enable movement so people can fulfill their potential. Reebok connects with the fitness consumer wherever they are and however they choose to stay fit – whether it’s functional training, running, combat training, walking, dance, yoga or aerobics. Reebok Classics leverages the brand’s fitness heritage and represents the roots of the brand in the sports lifestyle market. For more information, visit Reebok at www.reebok.com, or, for the latest news at http://news.reebok.com/

Discover Reebok at the following locations: https://www.instagram.com/reebok/; http://twitter.com/reebok; and http://youtube.com/reebok

 

For nearly 100 years, the ACLU has worked in courts, legislatures, and communities to protect the constitutional rights of all people. With a nationwide network of offices and millions of members and supporters, we take up the toughest civil liberties fights. Beyond one person, party, or side — we the people dare to create a more perfect union. Learn more at aclu.org

 

Founded in 1867, Alabama State University is a comprehensive, regional institution offering students from across the nation and around the globe a world-class education. ASU’s learning experiences are holistic and are designed to develop intellectual, as well as social, moral, cultural and ethical values. ASU graduates are equipped with the skills, insights, attitudes and practical experiences that will enable them to become well-rounded, contributing citizens, fully qualified to take their places in their chosen professions and in service to humanity.

 

Over the past 15 years, ASU has experienced tremendous growth, both physically and academically. State-of-the-art academic facilities now grace the 395-acre campus. High-demand programs have been established and cutting-edge research is being conducted by ASU faculty and students. With a focus on a global initiative, the campus has a more diverse population while maintaining its proud heritage as one of the nation’s leading Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs). We offer the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science, as well as master’s and educational specialist degrees.

 

The University also offers the Ph.D. in microbiology, the Ed.D. and the Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Policy and Law, the Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy and the Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics.