On November 17, 2016, Courage Campaign hosted the Sixth Annual Spirit of Courage Awards at the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood, to honor two courageous champions and inspiring leaders — State Senator Holly J. Mitchell and author and activist Steve Phillips. See photos from the night here.
From live mariachi in the courtyard to rousing speeches and lively conversation, the evening brought together hundreds of Courage Campaign members, partners and friends, reminding us all that the shock of the election would not diminish our courage and commitment to fight for a more progressive California and country.
Senator Mitchell, whose 30th Senate District stretches from Culver City to South Los Angeles, was celebrated for her skill and determination as a legislator, and her unparalleled record fighting for policies that alleviate poverty, roll back the War on Drugs, and bring justice for the most vulnerable Californians. The award was presented by her constituents, with a special video greeting from Congresswoman Karen Bass.
Steve Phillips was honored for his visionary and innovative leadership as the founder of PowerPAC+ and Democracy in Color, and New York TImes-bestselling author of Brown is the New White: How the Demographic Revolution Has Created A New American Majority. His award was presented by Jane Kim, who currently serves on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and was the first Korean-American elected official in San Francisco.
The event was emceed by the amazing Zahra Noorbakhsh, the Feminist Muslim, Iranian-American comedian from Oakland, and featured live music by Arcoiris, LA’s own and the world’s first LGBTQ Mariachi band.
Special thanks to our sponsors: United Domestic Workers of America, National Union of Healthcare Workers, California Federation of Teachers, Lawrence & Suzanne Hess, Rosenthal Family Foundation, Nancy Stephens and Jamie Wolf, Anne and Buzz Frahn, Lindsay & Karen Gardner, Jihee & Peter Huh, Glen Dake, Renee Dake Wilson & Brian Wilson, Weston Milliken, Peg Yorkin, California Teachers Association, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, Bruce & Phyllis Arena, United Food and Commercial Workers, Suzi Dietz, Drug Policy Alliance, Jamie McGurk, ACLU, Quinn Delaney & Wayne Jordan, Tom Lockard, Streisand Foundation, Muriel Pollia Foundation, Irene Romero, Terri Weiss, Ken and Johanna Kim, Janet Braun, UNITE HERE! Local 11, Stashimi, Fran Jemmott, Seeley Mudd Foundation, Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles, Laura Gowen, Capital & Main, and in loving memory of Jack Eustis.