2025 Higginbotham Leadership Awards Gala:
Rooted in Justice, Rising in Solidarity
On October 16, 2025, at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law hosted its 25th Annual Higginbotham Leadership Awards Gala—an unforgettable evening celebrating courage, leadership, and unity in the fight for justice.
Marking the organization’s 62nd year of protecting and expanding civil rights, the gala honored extraordinary leaders whose work continues to advance racial and social justice amid unprecedented attacks and rollbacks by the Administration.
Honoring Leaders Who Inspire Change
Our 2025 Honorees:
- Laurence Fishburne, Racial Justice Trailblazer Award
- Kristen Clarke, President’s Award for Civil Rights Leadership
- Yolanda Renee King, Catalyst Award
- Chicago Women in Trades, Courageous Client Award
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Higginbotham Leadership Award
Donate to the Civil Rights and Solidarity Fund
An Evening of Leadership, Legacy, and Solidarity
The evening was co-emceed by Melissa Murray, NYU Law professor and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, and Symone Sanders Townsend, MSNBC host and former senior advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris. Together, they guided a night filled with inspiration, laughter, and purpose
In his keynote remarks, President and Executive Director Damon Hewitt reminded us:
“This year’s gala served as a reminder that we are not powerless in fighting against racism and injustice. The leaders we honored understand that fighting for equity is not only worthwhile, but necessary, to secure a future where Black people and other communities of color are no longer burdened by systemic barriers to opportunity.”
Explore the Moments
Relive the energy and elegance of this unforgettable evening—from red-carpet arrivals and award presentations to powerful and inspiring remarks.
Photography by Heaven Brown & Victoria Colbert / Imagine Photography for the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
