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.”
Lisa D. Cook
2023
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 Williams
2015
Kasim Reed
2012
Cedric Richmond
2020
Congresswoman Barbara Lee
2017
Senator Cory Booker
2014
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