Rosario Dawson, Jesse Williams, and Aloe Blacc are among the notable recipients of this year’s Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award.
The awards were presented at the 2024 Tribeca Festival on Friday, following the premiere of the documentary “Following Harry,” directed by Susanne Rostock, which features the honorees.
This prestigious award, established by Tribeca in 2021, celebrates individuals who have leveraged storytelling and the arts to drive meaningful change within their communities. Political activist and author Angela Davis had the honor of presenting the awards.
Rosario Dawson, a vocal advocate for numerous causes, co-founded Voto Latino, an organization dedicated to educating and empowering Latinx voters. She also co-founded Studio One Eighty Nine, a brand celebrating African heritage through artisanal products from Ghana. Dawson’s advocacy extends to issues such as youth homelessness and domestic violence.
Jesse Williams, known for his roles in “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Only Murders in the Building,” is a Tony Award winner recognized for his performance in “Take Me Out.” He has made significant contributions as a producer, notably with the Oscar-winning short “Two Distant Strangers” and as an executive producer of the documentary “Stay Woke: The Black Lives Matter Movement.”
Aloe Blacc has committed to using his music, which includes hits like “Wake Me Up” and “The Man,” as a force for social change. His upcoming musical projects aim to amplify the missions of nonprofit organizations. Additionally, he founded Major Inc., a biotech company focused on preventing future pandemics and infections.
Other honorees include Aja Monet, a surrealist blues poet and musician known for her activism and involvement in movements like the Women’s March. Matt Post, a Yale Law School student, is a prominent leader in the gun safety movement through his work with March for Our Lives.
Carmen Perez-Jordan serves as president and CEO of The Gathering for Justice, an organization founded by Harry Belafonte. She co-founded Justice League NYC and Justice League CA, championing social justice causes. RodStarz, part of the hip-hop duo Rebel Diaz, uses music to raise awareness about injustices and mobilize communities. Sean Pica is the executive director of Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison, which provides educational opportunities and support for currently and formerly incarcerated individuals.
“Following Harry” chronicles Belafonte’s inspiring journey at 84, spanning a decade of efforts to combat injustice by inspiring entertainers and activists to confront national unrest with love, aiming to dismantle oppression.
For more insights into the impact of these influential figures, watch “Following Harry” and stay tuned for updates on their ongoing efforts in social justice and community empowerment.
