ACLU Announces Bill Of Rights Dinner Honorees

The ACLU of SoCal is hosting its annual
BILL OF RIGHTS DINNER on
Sunday, December 3, 2017, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

Honorees include Judd Apatow, Viola Davis, Jane Fonda, Reginald Hudlin, Dolores Huerta and Gina Rodriguez

Each year, the ACLU of Southern California celebrates the anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights by paying tribute to individuals who are making a difference in the struggle to fulfill the historic promise of “liberty and justice for all” and helping to preserve civil liberties and civil rights. Continuing this tradition, the ACLU is proud to announce this year’s honorees.

“The 2017 honorees represent different aspects of the social justice mission of the ACLU of Southern California, and the values that we are working for. This year marks the 225th anniversary of The Bill of Rights, and it’s been a year of many challenges to civil rights and liberties,” says Hector Villagra, Executive Director of the ACLU of Southern California. “The ACLU remains committed to our founding principles to protect those rights guaranteed in the Constitution for all individuals and groups, and we’re thrilled to see that our membership increased fivefold in the last year, which shows that the need for our work is much both appreciated and supported locally and nationally.”

The honorees of the 2017 Bill of Rights Dinner are:

Judd Apatow – will receive the Bill of Rights Award for being an outspoken and tireless advocate on behalf of women in the arts.
Viola Davis – will receive the Bill of Rights Award for her commitment to economic justice.
Jane Fonda – will receive the Ramona Ripston Liberty, Justice & Equality Award for being an outspoken and lifetime advocate on behalf of women and girls, peace issues, veterans, Native Americans, the environment, and health.
Reginald Hudlin – will receive the Bill of Rights Award for his commitment to creating meaningful television and film that challenge societal norms; as well as his dedication to advancing the next generations of African-Americans in the entertainment industry.
Dolores Huerta – will receive the Lifetime Advocate for Justice Award for her commitment to upholding social justice and equality and her devotion to advancing the rights of oppressed peoples.
Gina Rodriguez – will receive the Bill of Rights Award for her outspoken and passionate activism in the entertainment industry; and her commitment to serving as a role model for and champion of women’s rights and immigration rights.

The evening will feature special appearances by Martin Sheen and Van Jones. Additional names to be announced.

Honoree Achievement Descriptions

Judd Apatow – Bill of Rights Award
As an outspoken and tireless advocate on behalf of women in the arts, championing women on both sides of the camera, insisting that women’s stories are told, and winning a Peabody for producing Girls (which in the words of the Peabody Committee “…touched a cultural nerve, particularly among some female viewers who have finally found a show to call their own.”); as a fierce advocate for the mission and values of the ACLU; for the years of support you have given us through our auction, our dinner, and self-generated fundraisers; for creating videos and public service spots encouraging your fans to join our cause; you more than deserve to be publicly recognized and thanked by the ACLU of Southern California with this award.

Viola Davis – Bill of Rights Award
As one of the most influential actors of our generation your commitment to upholding social justice is exceptionally admirable. Your devotion to your work with Hunger Is to build awareness and raise funds to eradicate childhood hunger; your dedication to providing medical aid to impoverished areas through your work with Direct Relief; your advocacy for gender and race equity; your status as the first black woman to achieve the rare ‘Triple Crown of Acting” awards, make you more than deserving to be recognized and thanked by the ACLU for your unwavering dedication to upholding the principles of civil liberties and civil rights.

Jane Fonda – Ramona Ripston Liberty, Justice & Equality Award
As an outspoken and lifetime advocate on behalf of women and girls, peace issues, veterans, Native Americans, the environment, and health; as a fierce advocate for the mission and values of the ACLU; for the years of support you have given us through our auction and our dinner; for participating in videos and public service spots encouraging your fans to join our cause; you more than deserve to be publicly recognized and thanked by the ACLU of Southern California with this long-overdue award.

Reginald Hudlin – Bill of Rights Award
Your commitment to creating meaningful television and film that challenge societal norms; as well as your dedication to advancing the next generations of African-Americans in the entertainment industry makes you a wonderful candidate for this award. Your varied and influential contributions to the entertainment industry; as a producer and supporter of the NAACP Image Awards; as producer of the Annual Black Movie Soundtracks at the Hollywood Bowl; as an Oscar-nominated producer for your work on Django Unchained; as a former President of Black Entertainment Television, makes you more than deserving to be publicly recognized by us with this award.

Dolores Huerta – Lifetime Advocate for Justice Award
As one of the most influential women of the last half century your commitment to upholding social justice and equality is exceptionally admirable. Your devotion to advancing the rights of oppressed peoples is unparalleled. You have justly been honored many times and that is a testament to how important your life and work have been. At this critical time, when so many of our victories and advancements are under attack by the current administration, having you participate in our Awards program will inspire all of us to understand what one person, as part of a movement, can accomplish. It would be our great honor to give you this this award.

Gina Rodriguez – Bill of Rights Award
As one of the most outspoken and passionate activists in the entertainment industry; for your commitment to serving as a role model for and champion of women’s rights; for your service as a Board Member of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and participation in several other Latino rights groups; and as a Golden- Globe winner for your role in the Jane the Virgin, which has helped break down stereotypes of Latina women in Hollywood, you more than deserve to be publicly recognized by the ACLUSoCal for your unwavering dedication to upholding civil liberties and civil rights.