Louis E. Martin Great American Award Recipients
The award is named after Louis E. Martin (1912-1997), a principal founder of the Joint Center and the first chair of its Board. As a Chicago Defender journalist, Black newspaper publisher, and an advisor to three presidents, Martin was instrumental in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Among friends and colleagues, Martin was known for expressing his warmest respects with his favorite compliment: “You are a great American.”
Spencer Overton
2024


Lisa D. Cook
2023

Cedric Richmond
2020

Congresswoman Barbara Lee
2017

Senator Cory Booker
2014

Secretary of State Colin Powell
2022 (posthumously)

Stacey Abrams
2019

26th Secretary of Labor Tom Perez
2016

Susan Rice
2013

La June Montgomery Tabron
2021

Vice President Kamala Harris
2018

Eddie N. Williams
2015

Kasim Reed
2012

Congressman John Lewis
2012

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.
2011

Dorothy Height
2010

Congressman James Clyburn
2009

Congressman Charles Rangel
2008

President Bill Clinton
2007

Muhammad Ali
2006

Vernon Jordan
2005

President Jimmy Carter
2004