FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 10, 2020

CONTACT: Marisol Bello, [email protected]

Community Change Celebrates Those Leading The Way in This Critical Moment in the Progressive Movement

Washington, D.C. – Every generation faces defining moments. Community Change was born during one – founded in 1968 by leaders of the civil rights, labor, and anti-poverty movements as a living memorial to Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Today, we are in unprecedented times—in the midst of multiple crises—as the coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic devastation disproportionately impact communities of color, while the continued racialized, state-sanctioned violence against Black people hits a tipping point. 

Community Change is  not only responding to the crisis at hand – but also pressing forward in addressing the deep, structural flaws in our society, economy, and democracy that social justice movements have fought to illuminate. 

On Thursday, Community Change will gather virtually to celebrate those leading the way in this pivotal moment for our movement.

“Even though we are celebrating virtually as a community, each of us is the movement,” says Lorella Praeli, president of Community Change Action and vice-president of Community Change. “With so much uncertainty in the days and weeks to come, we know we ALL must be all in — and show up however we can to our fullest.”

Dorian Warren, president of Community Change and vice-president of Community Change Action, echoed those sentiments: “Our voices–our votes–are about our vision–not for a candidate, but for what our movement can make possible. What we win in November and beyond is the chance to define a new path forward.” 

Among our honorees in this year’s Change Champions are:

• Champion in Philanthropic Leadership: Susan Pritzker, The Libra Foundation, for reimagining philanthropy to elevate grassroots leaders and improve the lives of all; 
• Champion in Community Organizing: United We Dream Network, accepted by Cristina Jimenez and Greisa Martinez, for organizing and supporting immigrant youth to fight for justice and dignity while shaping a new generation of social justice leaders;
• Emerging Change Champion: Clarissa Doutherd, Parent Voices Oakland, for building a powerful movement for child care and children’s health led by impacted Black, brown, and low-income families; and,
• Disruptor Change Champion: The Movement for Black Lives, accepted by Ash-Lee Henderson, Karissa Lewis, and Rich Wallace, for disrupting the status quo in the streets and at tables of influence to shape the national conversation on race. 

Join us tonight, Thursday September 10, at 6 p.m. ET to celebrate our 2020 Community Change Champions. To register, follow the link here: https://communitychange.org/events/change-champions-2020-register/ 

This is a joint event of Community Change, a 501(c)(3) organization, and Community Change Action, its affiliated 501(c)(4) advocacy arm. The sister organizations share a mission and vision, but they operate independently and in compliance with state and federal regulations.

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