On Sunday, February 18, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles, the ACLU of Southern California commemorated its 100-year anniversary at the Centennial Bill of Rights Awards. Over 500 supporters, clients, activists, and celebrities joined to celebrate four outstanding honorees and highlight a century’s work of protecting civil liberties for all.  

Actor and activist Jason George returned to host the show, which honored filmmakers Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, and poet and author Alok Vaid-Menon for achievements across platform and industry that have challenged the status quo.

On top of featuring exciting guest celebrities and dazzling performances, this year’s celebration highlighted the history of the ACLU SoCal with video footage, client testimonies, and moving guest speeches. Members of the Youth Liberty Squad, as well as former ACLU SoCal clients Eliezer Williams, Sara Yarjani, and Hector Barajas shared their stories as ACLU SoCal clients.  

Actor Lena Waithe presented the Bill of Rights Award to actress Sheryl Lee Ralph for her work in health awareness, women’s and girls’ advocacy, LGBTQIA + rights, and social justice and racial equity.  

Award-winning poet Rupi Kaur presented activist, poet, and writer Alok Vaid-Menon with the Bill of Rights Award for their advocacy and work centered around LGBTQIA+ rights, identity and belonging, and healing.  

The third and final Bill of Rights Award was presented by actress Stephanie Hsu to Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert for their groundbreaking work in Hollywood, including the Oscar-winning film, Everything Everywhere All at Once. 

The Centennial Bill of Rights Awards brought stars and civil rights superheroes together for a night of unforgettable stories and performances—commemorating 100 years of defending civil liberties.

Thank you to all our program participants, including Martin Sheen, Shari Belafonte, Dulé Hill, Lisa Edelstein, Justin Tranter, Lisa Ann Walter, Laura Karpman, Patrisse Cullors, and Sister Unity.  

The Centennial Bill of Rights Awards is a milestone in our affiliate’s history, and we’re so glad we celebrated this special moment as a family and community. We can’t wait to see you at the next Bill of Rights Awards!