NEW YORK—On May 16, People’s World held its annual Better World Awards, honoring activist leaders who have contributed to the movement toward social change. This ceremony, featuring musicians, organizers, and organizations committed to social change, took place at Winston Unity Center. As the Trump administration continues to threaten working-class communities at home and abroad and as reactionary forces continue to attack our fundamental rights, these leaders have inspired the continuation of our work. They represent examples within the working class of individuals fighting for a new world.
This year, the Better World Awards honorees were five individuals and one group:
Leslie Cagan, a legendary activist, socialist organizer, and Feminist. For many years, she was the national coordinator of United for Peace and Justice and the former co-chair of Committees of Correspondence for Democracy and Socialism.
City Council member Chris Marte, who has continued to work toward the interests of the community, including organizing against the RAD/PACT system of privatization.
Hannah Stauss, co-director of Hands Off NYC. This campaign, which represents over 250 grassroots community groups, labor unions, nonprofits, and faith leaders, conducts know your rights training, mass protests, and community coalitions to strengthen communities against the threat of Fascism.
Tamika Mallory is the co-founder of Until Freedom, an intersectional social justice organization that addresses systemic racial injustice. With Until Freedom, Tamika has led efforts to fight for justice for Atatiana Jefferson, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor, along with other victims of police violence and oppression.
Stop FEC Demolition Coalition, which has been fighting to stop the demolition of Fulton and Chelsea Elliott NYCHA houses, located in Chelsea, NYC. This coalition has been able to emphasize the importance of funding and maintaining NYCHA housing, while expanding its coalition in the fight for all working-class New Yorkers.
The event ended with a speech by Leslie Cagan, who instilled confidence in the working class, emphasizing that the work must still be done by people committed to continuing it. The Better World Awards honor these organizers. This award honors those who wish to build a society with the interests of the people, not the interests of profit.
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