Freedom Fund Awards
Harold L. Holliday, Sr. Civil Rights
Nominees are required to have years of continuous service in the cause of civil rights and receive no compensation as part of their employment responsibilities. They must have demonstrated leadership ability as an elective member of a civil rights organization or the establishment and direction of a civil-rights organization. Candidates are required to exhibit commitment and belief in Civil Rights Acts and statutes. Understanding and commitment to solve underlying problems that necessitate civil rights law in this society, including personal and professional sacrifice in furtherance of civil rights, is necessary.
Lucile H. Bluford Special Achievement
Nominees must possess outstanding achievement in leadership of programs and receive recognition for the benefit of community improvement and outstanding contributions. This award requires nominees to be NAACP members in good standing.
Velma E. Woodson Outstanding Leadership
Nominees must have exceptional ability to lead and organize people with involvement in leadership that provides a platform for advancement of future generations. Ability to work with policymakers in discussing and solving problems is recommended. The award requires nominees to be NAACP members in good standing.
Carl R. Johnson Humanitarian
Years of service devoted to humanity in the community are required and nominees must have promoted aspirations and achievement of minorities. Each nominee must have demonstrated outstanding ability to work with senior citizens and youth in their development and must be an NAACP member in good standing.
Lillian L. McKittrick Labor Advocacy Award
The award honors a person who exemplified outstanding service to support and carry out the objectives of the NAACP labor program. The award is in memory of Lillian L. McKittrick, who as the first African American elected as an International Representative for the Women’s International Garment Workers Union, she was a lifelong proponent for the rights of minorities and women. She worked directly in the garment industry for many years and saw the need for change within the Labor movement. She was a life member of the NAACP and Urban League.
The award is given to individuals who have:
- Performed an outstanding service, which commands recognition, within the Labor Community.
- Served in a leadership role on the passage of legislation benefiting organized labor and/or the community.
- Served a minimum of five (5) years in a leadership/activism role with their local union.
- Must be an active member or active retiree of their local union.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with community-based organizations, labor unions, advocacy groups, or other front-line groups of workers and their advocates.