March 13, 2024
Announcing the Winners of the 20th Annual Ridenhour Prizes
WASHINGTON – Today, we announced the recipients of the prestigious Ridenhour Prizes. Lea Ypi, author of Free: Coming of Age at the End of History, has been selected for the Book Prize. ‘The Janes,’ and directors Emma Pildes and Tia Lessin, will be awarded the Documentary Film Prize. Whistleblower nurse Dawn Wooten will receive the Prize for Truth-Telling. The Courage Prize will be awarded to Congressman Jamie Raskin.
The Ridenhour Prizes are awards in four categories given annually in recognition of those who persevere in acts of truth-telling that protect the public interest, promote social justice or illuminate a more just vision of society. In 2024 we mark the 20th anniversary of these awards that memorialize that spirit of fearless truth-telling, a spirit Ron Ridenhour displayed throughout his life and career. Ron’s courage and commitment to justice are reflected in all the honorees, each of whom have persevered in acts of truth-telling that strengthen our democracy and illuminate a more just vision of society.
First awarded in 2004, each prize carries a $10,000 stipend as this kind of courage comes with great risk. Contrary to popular belief, many of those who stand up to speak the truth against wrongdoing are vilified rather than celebrated, in both their personal and professional lives. There are not many spaces where the voices of these individuals, especially smaller or lesser-known stories, are uplifted and celebrated. It is essential that events like The Ridenhour Prizes lift up and actively support those who work tirelessly and at great personal risk to protect the public.
The Prize’s namesake, Ron Ridenhour, was a whistleblower and an investigative reporter who revealed the horrific events in My Lai that occurred on March 16, 1968. First referred to as the ‘Pinkville Massacre,’ My Lai was a village where 500 unarmed South Vietnamese civilians were killed by U.S soldiers during the Vietnam War. On March 29, 1969, Ridenhour was a 23-year-old recently returned veteran from Vietnam who would pen a letter to President Richard M. Nixon, Defense Secretary Melvin R. Laird, and members of Congress sharing his findings and the moment that would serve as inspiration for the Ridenhour Prizes.
The winners will be awarded their distinction on March 28, 2024, at the 20th Annual Ridenhour Prizes Gala at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit the Ridenhour Prizes website.
The selection committee commented:
“We were challenged to select from a highly competitive field of truly inspiring individuals who channel the spirit of the award through their courage and commitment to truth. We are humbled to celebrate these heroes whose contributions strengthen not only democracy but the moral fiber of our citizenry, giving all of us hope and fuel in our collective work towards a more just vision of society.
Contact: Charlotte McCann, Ridenhour Prize Event Coordinator
Phone: (202) 926-3323
Email: [email protected]
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