Courtesy of Alabama State University
Reebok, the iconic lifestyle brand, today announced the return of its celebrated Reebok Human Rights Awards program which, beginning in 2022, will honor extraordinary activists in the world of sports and athletics. With this shift to a greater focus on the intersection of human rights and sport, Reebok has partnered with the Sports Illustrated Awards (SI Awards) to celebrate this year’s honoree alongside some of the best athletes in the world. The honoree will also receive a cash reward to support their work. Additionally, the honoree will receive guidance and mentorship from Reebok and its involved partners.
In addition to Sports Illustrated (SI), program partners include Alabama State University (ASU), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and RISE. To expand the program’s reach and amplify its impact, Reebok and SI will provide award finalists with an unprecedented platform and unparalleled reach for their stories to be heard around the world.
Additionally, Reebok announced the program’s newly reconstituted Board of Advisors, which includes Amber Hikes, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer of the ACLU; Cynthia Roseberry, Deputy Director for Policy, Justice Division of the ACLU; Dr. Regina Moorer, Assistant Professor at ASU; Monique Holland, Deputy Director of Athletics and Chief of Staff of Athletics at Northwestern University; immigrant rights activist Sara Mora; the former National Director for the Youth and College Division at the NAACP, Tiffany Dena Loftin; Executive Director of the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation, Kari Uyehara; Zoe Henriquez, VP of Strategic Alliances & Development at RISE; Michael Sherman, VP, Media Brands at Authentic Brands Group (ABG), owner of the SI and Reebok brands; and Reebok’s own, Chloe Mann, a member of the brand’s Human Rights Now team.
The Reebok Human Rights Awards program, which previously ran from 1988 to 2007, was revived in 2021. The program has a history 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 to advocate for equality and human rights has never been greater. We are proud to, once again, celebrate and support individuals who have dedicated their lives to fighting for a better world,” said Reebok President Matt O’Toole. “In 2022, with the support of Alabama State University, the ACLU, RISE and Sports Illustrated we are tightening the focus the program on the world of sports and athletics, while also expanding the reach of the program. Reebok, and all of our partners have a shared goal to support those who are fighting for meaningful change.”
“Alabama State University (ASU) is proud of its partnership with Reebok, the ACLU, RISE and Sports Illustrated in advancing the cause of social justice and celebrating people who boldly and selflessly carry the banner for human rights,” said Alabama State University President, Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr. “The 2021 return of the Reebok Human Rights Awards was both memorable and inspiring. I was particularly encouraged to listen to the award winners’ stories and hear their firsthand accounts of their humanitarian efforts. We are excited to participate in the selection process again this year and look forward to celebrating the new cohort of deserving award recipients.”
“Reebok’s partnership with the ACLU, Alabama State University, RISE and Sports Illustrated, has set an industry standard for recognizing and honoring the next generation of activists,” said Anthony D. Romero, Executive Director of the ACLU. “At this time, all organizations and corporations need to double down and do much more to dismantle systemic racism and build our communities. We are just getting started.”
“Together with our joint missions to ensure equitable rights for all, RISE is thrilled to partner with Reebok for the second straight year to honor change makers in their communities,” said Zoe Henriquez, RISE Vice President of Strategic Alliances & Development. “The leadership role people have taken on to promote human rights is truly inspiring, and we’re excited to see and hear the ways the nominees are using their voices to help unify our nation through sports.”
“The SI Awards celebrate the best athletes in the world and programs like the Reebok Human Rights Awards, which fund organizations committed to supporting social justice, equal access, and human rights through the lens of sport, help shape the next generation of SI Award winners,” said Nick Woodhouse, President and CMO of ABG. “We look forward to seeing all of the amazing things that this year’s nominees are up to.”
