We are so grateful for all of the people who joined us in person and online to celebrate Midwest Academy’s 50th Anniversary and the powerful organizing work of the award winners. As we’ve seen time and again, when we organize, we win! We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate half a century of building organizing capacity than by honoring the organizers and organizations whose efforts we’ve witnessed, from the 1960’s to today’s most pressing organizing campaigns.
We kicked off the night with Senator Bernie Sanders doing what he does best – inspiring us to organize and fight for a more just world!
We had a special message from Mayor Brandon Johnson (recorded right before he took office in Chicago!):
But the real stars of the show were the honorees:
The incredible leaders working on the frontlines for economic justice, reproductive freedom, and climate justice joining us to accept the awards reminded us to stay vigilant in our commitment to working for social justice and hopeful about the future we can win through organizing.
For the fight for environmental justice….
To the fight for reproductive justice…
And the fight for economic justice…
Much appreciation to the performers who helped make our night special and fun: Les The DJ, Batalá Washington, and Crystal Edge, Cake Pop, Crimsyn, and Druex Sidora.
Since our first training in 1973, Midwest Academy is honored to have worked with over 50,000 organizers who have built (and are building!) powerful organizations that win important victories for their communities and drive forward the movement for justice for all.
We truly cannot do this work without your support. We hope you will donate to the Midwest Academy in honor of our anniversary and the work we are doing right now to train and support the organizers that build people power, grow strong organizations and governing majorities, and transform communities! Donate here today.
For a brief look at the last 50 years of the Academy – and where we go from here – we urge you to watch this video:
Finally, one more huge thank you for every individual donor and sponsor that has shown their support! We couldn’t do this without you.
Presenting Sponsor
Direct Action Sponsor
Strategy Sponsor
Progressive Sponsors
Champions of Justice Sponsors
Norbert Goldfield
Megan Hull
Friends of the Academy Sponsors
Heather Booth*
Jeff Blum & Ellen Cassedy
Everett Foundation
Cathy Hurwit
Jackie Kendall*
Kweli Kitwana
Mike Lux and Barbara Laur
David Medina* & Tim DeMagistris
Eddy Morales* & Hugh Harris
Nick Nyhart & Kathleen McTigue
Public Citizen
Karen Thomas**
*Current Board member
**Former Executive Director