Film and TV producer Judd Apatow and actresses Viola Davis and Jane Fonda are among those who will be honored Sunday evening at the ACLU of Southern California’s annual Bill of Rights dinner at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.
The Beverly Wilshire event celebrating the anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights pays tribute to those working to fulfill the promise of “liberty and justice for all” and helping to preserve civil liberties and civil rights, according to the American Civil Liberties Union.
“The 2017 honorees represent different aspects of the social justice mission of the ACLU of Southern California, and the values that we are working for,” said Hector Villagra, executive director of the ACLU of Southern California. “This year marks the 225th anniversary of the Bill of Rights, and it’s been a year of many challenges to civil rights and liberties.”
“The ACLU remains committed to our founding principles to protect those rights guaranteed in the Constitution for all individuals and groups, and we’re thrilled to see that our membership increased fivefold in the last year, which shows that the need for our work is much both appreciated and supported locally and nationally,” he said.
The honorees of the 2017 Bill of Rights Dinner are:
— Judd Apatow, who will receive the Bill of Rights Award for being an outspoken and tireless advocate on behalf of women in the arts;
— Viola Davis, who will receive the Bill of Rights Award for her commitment to economic justice;
— Jane Fonda, who will receive the Ramona Ripston Liberty, Justice & Equality Award for being an outspoken and lifetime advocate on behalf of women and girls, peace issues, veterans, Native Americans, the environment, and health;
— Reginald Hudlin, who will receive the Bill of Rights Award for his commitment to creating meaningful television and film that challenge societal norms, as well as his dedication to advancing the next generations of African- Americans in the entertainment industry;
— Dolores Huerta, who will receive the Lifetime Advocate for Justice Award for her commitment to upholding social justice and equality and her devotion to advancing the rights of oppressed peoples; and
— Gina Rodriguez, who will receive the Bill of Rights Award for her outspoken and passionate activism in the entertainment industry, and her commitment to serving as a role model for and champion of women’s rights and immigration rights.
The evening will feature appearances by Martin Sheen and CNN personality Van Jones.
–City News Service