The Hank Aaron Champion for Justice Award ceremony honored the 2014 award recipients – outstanding individuals who have made a lifelong commitment to overcoming industry obstacles and inspiring future generations.
“Our annual Heritage Weekend is an important one for us,” said John Schuerholz, Braves President. “It provides us with the continued opportunity to share with our fans and our community – young and old – the important civil and human rights work that is still being done.”
The Braves and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights will partner for the Delta Air Lines Champions Luncheon, sponsored by State Farm, at Turner Field’s 755 Club in downtown Atlanta. The luncheon will benefit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
The 2014 awardees were: Joe Barry Carroll, retired NBA All Star; Jackie Joyner-Kersee, track and field Olympic legend and gold medalist; Edwin Moses, former track and field Olympic legend and gold medalist; and Reverend C.T. Vivian, civil rights legend and recent recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Following the ceremony, the awardees took part in a panel discussion on the role of athletes in challenging discrimination and societal barriers, moderated by Doug Shipman, CEO of The Center.
“The Center is very excited to continue our partnership with the Atlanta Braves to host the Champions for Justice Luncheon,” said Shipman. “Athletes have historically played a key role in promoting civil and human rights issues, and we hope to continue to share their stories through partnered programs and events such as this one.”
