Award-winning investigative journalist and Ida B. Wells Society co-founder, Nikole Hannah-Jones will be receiving The Vivian Malone Courage Award on Oct. 1 as part of the 9th annual March on Washington Film Festival. The festival serves as a national platform to explore social and environmental justice through a slate of impactful films and events.
Vivian Malone is known for being the first Black student to graduate from The University of Alabama. She and James Hood famously defied Governor George Wallace, who “stood in the school house door” to block them from enrolling at the all-white university. She passed away in 2005.
This year’s biennial award will go to Hannah-Jones, in honor of Malone’s powerful stance in the face of government opposition. It will be presented by Malone’s sister Dr. Sharon Malone and Michele Norris-Johnson, broadcast journalist and founder of The Race Card Project, followed by a conversation with the presenters and Hannah-Jones.
The festival will take place both virtually and in-person in Washington D.C. In addition to Hannah-Jones award ceremony and the films being shown, there will also be a number of panels and workshops. Festival passes can be purchased on their website. Those interested can also reserve a pass for the award presentation and conversation virtually here and in-person here. Free passes are available for those who may need them.
