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Profile in Courage Award

Award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation

Award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation

Recipients

YearRecipientOccupationAchievementsOther finalists
1990Carl Elliott Sr.Former U.S. representative (Alabama)For working to enact civil rights laws and the National Defense Education Act of 1958 (Hill–Elliott Act), which "made him the target of vicious criticism from reactionaries of both parties" and caused his ouster from Congress in 1964.Henry Bellmon, Unita Blackwell, LeRoy Collins, Morris K. Udall
1991Charles L. WeltnerFormer U.S. representative (Georgia)For his decision to drop out of his race for reelection to a third term, rather than seek reelection and be bound by a party loyalty oath to support the candidacy of segregationist Lester Maddox.Frank P. Graham, George M. Michaels, Nicholas C. Wasicsko
1992Lowell WeickerU.S. Representative, U.S. Senator, and the 85th Governor of Connecticut.For proposing, as governor of Connecticut, a budget that included the introduction of an unpopular state personal income tax and major spending cuts in order to address Connecticut's financial crisis.
1993James FlorioGovernor of New Jersey (1990–1994); U.S. representative (1975–1990)
1994Henry B. GonzálezU.S. representative (Texas) (1961-1999)
1995Mike SynarU.S. representative (Oklahoma)
1996Corkin CherubiniSchool superintendentEfforts to rectify civil rights abuses in his small southern school district
1997Judge Charles PriceA judge for Circuit 15 in Montgomery County, Alabama. He served as a judge for the court from 1983 until his retirement from the bench on January 16, 2015.
1998Nickolas C. MurnionA judge on the 16th Judicial District Court in Montana.
"Peacemakers of Northern Ireland"Negotiators and signatories of the Good Friday Agreement.Awarded to the negotiators and signatories of the Good Friday Agreement, "in recognition of the extraordinary political courage they demonstrated." Presented to John Hume, Gerry Adams, John Alderdice, Malachi Curran, David Ervine, Gary McMichael, Monica McWilliams, David Trimble, and George J. Mitchell.
1999Russ FeingoldU.S. Senator (Wisconsin) (1993–2011); Wisconsin State Senator (27th District) (1983-1993).For co-sponsoring the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act
John McCainU.S. Senator (Arizona) (1987-2018); U.S. Representative (1983-1987); Republican nominee in the 2008 U.S. presidential election.For co-sponsoring the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act
2000Hilda SolisMember of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for the 1st district; United States Secretary of Labor (2009–2013) during the Obama administration; U.S. Representative (2001–2009)
2001John Lewis
(Lifetime Achievement Award)An American civil rights movement leader and politician, Lewis was the U.S. representative for from 1987 until his death in 2020. He was the dean of the Georgia congressional delegation, and his district included three quarters of Atlanta.
Gerald Ford38th president of the United StatesFor his controversial pardon of Richard Nixon, which arguably cost him the 1976 election.
2002Kofi AnnanA Ghanaian diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from January 1997 to December 2006. Annan and the UN were the co-recipients of the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize. He is the founder and chairman of the Kofi Annan Foundation, as well as chairman of The Elders, an international organization founded by Nelson Mandela.
Dean KoldenhovenFormer mayor of Palos Heights, IllinoisPolitical courage in speaking out against religious discrimination and calling for tolerance within his community.
"Public Servants of September 11"Representatives of NYPD, the FDNY, and the militaryRisked their lives on September 11, 2001 attacks
2003Dan Ponder Jr.He was a member of the Georgia House of Representatives from 1997 to 2000. He is a member of the Republican party. In 2003, he received the Profile in Courage Award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. He was elected mayor of Donalsonville, Georgia in 2013.Took a contentious stand in favor of hate-crimes legislation in Georgia, which may have cost him his seat in the state House.
David BeasleyExecutive Director of the U.N. World Food Programme. Beasley served one term as the 113th Governor of South Carolina from 1995 until 1999, as a member of the Republican Party.For his efforts to remove the Confederate battle flag from atop the state capitol.
Roy BarnesGovernor of Georgia (1999–2003).For his efforts to minimize the Confederate battle emblem on Georgia's state flag.
2004Sima SamarA well known woman's and human rights advocate, activist and a social worker within national and international forums, who served as Minister of Women's Affairs of Afghanistan from December 2001 to 2003.
Cindy WatsonFormer North Carolina State Representative
Paul MueggeState Senator
2005Joe DarbyThe whistleblower in the Abu Ghraib torture and prisoner abuse scandal.
Shirley FranklinMayor of Atlanta (2002–2010)
Bill RatliffTexas State Senator (1988–2004)
Viktor YushchenkoThird President of Ukraine (2005–2010)
2006Alberto J. MoraA former General Counsel of the NavyLed an effort within the Defense Department to oppose the legal theories of John Yoo and to try to end coercive interrogation tactics at Guantanamo Bay, which he argued are unlawful.
John MurthaU.S. representative (Pennsylvania)
2007Bill WhiteMayor of Houston (2004–2010)"Mayor White's quick actions in welcoming thousands of families displaced by hurricanes Katrina and Rita most certainly helped to save lives."
Doris VoitierSuperintendent of Schools, St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana"Despite insurmountable odds, Doris Voitier rebuilt the schools of St. Bernard Parish after [Hurricane Katrina], making sure the children of her community had a place to learn and grow when they returned home."
2008Jennifer BrunnerOhio Secretary of State
Debra BowenSecretary of State of California (2007–2015); member of the California State Legislature (1992-2006)
William Winter
(Lifetime Achievement Award)Governor of Mississippi (1980–1984)
2009Edward M. KennedyU.S. Senator (Massachusetts)
Brooksley BornChairperson of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (1996–1999)
Sheila Bair19th Chair of the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC),
Leymah Gbowee and the Women of Liberia Mass Action for PeaceHelped bring an end to the Second Liberian Civil War in 2003.
2010Karen BassBass represented the 47th district in the California State Assembly 2004–2010, and was Speaker of the California State Assembly 2008–2010 (second woman, third African American speaker).
Dave CogdillRepublican politician who served as a State Senator from California's 14th State Senate district from December 2006 to December 2010.
Darrell SteinbergA member of the California State Senate representing the 6th District. He had also previously served as a member of the California State Assembly (1998–2004) and as a member of the Sacramento City Council (1992–1998). He is a member of the Democratic Party.
Michael VillinesFormer California State Assemblyman, who served from 2004 to 2010 representing the 29th district.
2011Elizabeth RedenbaughSchool Board Member, New Hanover County, North CarolinaFor her actions, as a member of North Carolina's New Hanover County School Board "against what she perceived as racial segregation in school redistricting plans."
Wael Ghonim and the People of Egypt"presented to Wael Ghonim in honor of all Egyptians who stood up, at great personal risk, for the principles of democracy and self-governance" in the Egyptian revolution of 2011.
2012Marsha Ternus, David L. Baker, and Michael StreitJustices of the Iowa Supreme Court"[I]n recognition of the political courage and judicial independence each demonstrated in setting aside popular opinion to uphold the basic freedoms and security guaranteed to all citizens under the Iowa constitution." The justices joined the unanimous Iowa Supreme Court ruling, Varnum v. Brien, that legally recognized same-sex marriage in Iowa; "[a]lthough the Court's decision was unanimous, it provoked a political backlash. In November 2010, voters removed Ternus, Baker and Streit from office following an unprecedented campaign financed in part by national interest groups opposed to same-sex marriage."
Robert Stephen Fordauthor = Gordon, Michael R.author-link = Michael R. Gordonurl=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/01/world/middleeast/american-envoy-to-syria-steps-down.htmltitle=American Envoy to Syria Steps Downwork = The New York Timesdate= February 28, 2014access-date= April 28, 2014}}For "bold and courageous diplomacy" that "provided crucial support to Syrians struggling under the brutal regime of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad."
2013Gabby GiffordsFormer U.S. Representative for (2007–2012)"[I]n recognition of the political, personal, and physical courage she has demonstrated in her fearless public advocacy for policy reforms aimed at reducing gun violence." Giffords survived an assassination attempt that left her with a severe brain injury.
2014George H. W. Bush41st President of the United Statesurl=https://www.jfklibrary.org/About-Us/News-and-Press/Press-Releases/2014-Profile-in-Courage-Award-Ceremony-Release.aspxtitle=Former President George H. W. Bush and Georgia Mayor Paul Bridges Honored with JFK Profile in Courage Award | JFK Library}}
Paul W. BridgesMayor of Uvalda, Georgia"[F]or risking his mayoral career with his decision to publicly oppose a controversial immigration law in Georgia" (Georgia House Bill 87). Bridges joined a federal lawsuit filed by the ACLU to stop the implementation of the law.
2015Bob InglisFormer U.S. Representative for (1993–1999; 2005–2011)"[F]or the courage he demonstrated when reversing his position on climate change after extensive briefings with scientists, and discussions with his children, about the impact of atmospheric warming on our future. Knowing the potential consequences to his political career, Inglis nevertheless called on the United States to meaningfully address the issue."
2016Dannel MalloyGovernor of Connecticut (2011–2019)For "courageously defend[ing] the U.S. resettlement of Syrian refugees and personally welcom[ing] a family of Syrian refugees to New Haven after they had been turned away by another state."
2017Barack Obama44th President of the United States"[F]or his enduring commitment to democratic ideals and elevating the standard of political courage in a new century."
2018Mitch LandrieuMayor of New Orleans"[F]or his leadership in removing four Confederate monuments in New Orleans while offering candid, clear and compassionate reflections on the moment and its place in history."
2019Nancy PelosiSpeaker of the U.S. House of Representatives"[F]or putting the national interest above her party's interest to expand access to health care for all Americans and then, against a wave of political attacks, leading the effort to retake the majority and elect the most diverse Congress in our nation's history."
2021Mitt RomneyU.S. Senator (Utah); Former Governor of Massachusetts (2003–2007); Republican nominee in the 2012 U.S. presidential election.url=https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/profile-in-courage-awardtitle=The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award® | JFK Library}}
2022Volodymyr ZelenskyyPresident of Ukraine"Each for their courage to protect and defend democracy in the United States and abroad."
Liz CheneyU.S. Representative at large, Wyoming; Republican
Jocelyn BensonSecretary of State for Michigan; Democratic Party of Michigan
Russell "Rusty" Bowers54th Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives; Republican Party of Arizona
Wandrea' ArShaye MossElections Department employee, Fulton County, Georgia
2023
Katrina Shealy, Margie Bright Matthews, Mia McLeod, Sandy Senn, and Penry GustafsonSouth Carolina State Senatorsurl=https://www.jfklibrary.org/about-us/news-and-press/press-releases/2023-profile-in-courage-award-ceremony-press-releasetitle=JFK Profile In Courage Award 2023website=jfklibrary.orgaccess-date=19 August 2024}}
Yoon Suk Yeol
(Special International Award)13th President of South Korea"[F]or working to improve relations between their countries despite domestic opposition stemming from historical issues."
Fumio Kishida
(Special International Award)64th Prime Minister of Japan
2024Michael G. AdamsSecretary of State of Kentucky, Republican"[F]or expanding voting rights and standing up for free and fair elections despite party opposition and death threats from election deniers."
2025Mike Pence48th vice president of the United States"[F]or putting his life and career on the line to ensure the constitutional transfer of presidential power on Jan. 6, 2021."

References

References

  1. [https://www.jfklibrary.org/Events-and-Awards/Profile-in-Courage-Award/Award-Recipients/Carl-Elliott-Sr--1990.aspx?t=1 Award Recipients: Carl Elliott, Sr. (1990)], John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
  2. [https://www.jfklibrary.org/Events-and-Awards/Profile-in-Courage-Award/Award-Recipients/Carl-Elliott-Sr--1990.aspx?t=2 Award Announcement: Carl Elliott, Sr. (1990)], John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
  3. [https://www.jfklibrary.org/Events-and-Awards/Profile-in-Courage-Award/Award-Recipients/Charles-Weltner-1991.aspx?t=1 Award Recipients: Charles Weltner (1991)], John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
  4. [https://www.jfklibrary.org/Events-and-Awards/Profile-in-Courage-Award/Award-Recipients/Charles-Weltner-1991.aspx?t=1 Award Announcement: Charles Weltner], John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
  5. [https://www.jfklibrary.org/Events-and-Awards/Profile-in-Courage-Award/Award-Recipients/Lowell-Weicker-Jr-1992.aspx Background: Lowell Weicker, Jr.], John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
  6. [https://www.jfklibrary.org/Events-and-Awards/Profile-in-Courage-Award/Award-Recipients/Peacemakers-of-Northern-Ireland-1998.aspx Background: Peacemakers of Northern Ireland], John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
  7. (May 14, 2015). "Feingold running for Wisconsin Senate". Politico.
  8. (February 4, 2016). "Sen. Ron Johnson claims Russ Feingold is a career politician". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
  9. "John McCain {{!}} Biography, Vietnam Experience, Political Career, & Facts {{!}} Britannica".
  10. "Kofi Annan - Biographical".
  11. Annan, Kofi. "The Nobel Peace Prize 2001". nobelprize.org.
  12. "Kofi Annan {{!}} Ghanaian statesman and secretary-general of the United Nations".
  13. "Public Servants of September 11 - John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum".
  14. "Ga House - Hon. Dan E. Ponder, Jr. (GA SH 160)". ga.gov.
  15. "Dan Ponder, Jr.". jfklibrary.org.
  16. "Donalsonville News, Mayor-elect Ponder's plan of action". Donalsonville News.
  17. "Ponder wins Donalsonville mayor's race by three votes - www.millercountyliberal.com - Miller County Liberal". millercountyliberal.com.
  18. "Executive Director".
  19. Cook, James F. (2005). ''The Governors of Georgia, 1754–2004, 3rd Edition, Revised and Expanded.'' Macon, GA: Mercer University Press.
  20. [http://texaspolitics.laits.utexas.edu/html/leg/ltgovernors/30.html Bill Ratliff] {{webarchive. link. (September 2, 2006 , Texas State Politics, University of Texas)
  21. [https://www.jfklibrary.org/Events-and-Awards/Profile-in-Courage-Award/Award-Recipients/Bill-White-2007.aspx?t=2 Bill White - John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum]
  22. [https://www.jfklibrary.org/Events-and-Awards/Profile-in-Courage-Award/Award-Recipients/Doris-Voitier-2007.aspx?t=2 Doris Voitier - John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum]
  23. "Elizabeth Redenbaugh {{!}} JFK Library".
  24. "Wael Ghonim and the people of Egypt {{!}} JFK Library".
  25. [http://www.jfklibrary.org/About-Us/News-and-Press/Press-Releases/2012-John-F-Kennedy-Profile-in-Courage-Award-Winners-Announced.aspx 2012 JFK Profile in Courage Award Winners Announced] (March 12, 2012).
  26. Gordon, Michael R.. (February 28, 2014). "American Envoy to Syria Steps Down". [[The New York Times]].
  27. "Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords to Receive JFK Profile in Courage Award | JFK Library".
  28. "Former President George H. W. Bush and Georgia Mayor Paul Bridges Honored with JFK Profile in Courage Award | JFK Library".
  29. [https://www.jfklibrary.org/About-Us/News-and-Press/Press-Releases/2015-Profile-in-Courage-Announcement.aspx Former U.S. Congressman Bob Inglis to Receive JFK Profile in Courage Award for Stance on Climate Change]
  30. [http://www.jfklibrary.org/Home/About%20Us/News%20and%20Press/Press%20Releases/2016%20PICA%20Announcement.aspx Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy Announced as Recipient of the 2016 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for Stand on Syrian Refugee Resettlement] (April 4, 2016).
  31. [https://www.jfklibrary.org/About-Us/News-and-Press/Press-Releases/2017-Profile-in-Courage-Award.aspx Former President Barack H. Obama Announced as Recipient of 2017 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award]
  32. [https://www.jfklibrary.org/About-Us/News-and-Press/Press-Releases/2018-PICA-Announcement.aspx News Release: New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu to Receive the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for Removal of Confederate Monument], John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.
  33. [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nancy-pelosi-profile-in-courage-award-john-f-kennedy-library-foundation/ Nancy Pelosi named recipient of Profile in Courage Award] CBS News, 7 Apr 2019
  34. "The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award® | JFK Library".
  35. "JFK Profile In Courage Award 2023".
  36. "JFK Profile In Courage Award 2024".
  37. (April 3, 2025). "Pence will get the Profile in Courage Award from JFK Library Foundation for his actions on Jan. 6". [[Associated Press]].
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