John Lewis Award for History and Social Justice Grant

The John Lewis Award for History and Social Justice, established in 2021, recognizes historians who exemplify leadership at the intersection of historical work and social justice. Named in memory of civil rights leader John Lewis, the award honors individuals or groups whose contributions enhance public culture through historical engagement. Nominations are welcomed from professional historians whose work embodies the values of social justice, demonstrating the profound impact of history on contemporary society.

Established in 2021, the prize is offered annually to recognize a historian for leadership and sustained engagement at the intersection of historical work, public culture, and social justice. The prize is named in memory of John Lewis (1940–2020), the civil rights leader who represented Georgia with grace and distinction in the United States House of Representatives for 34 years. All of us, insisted Lewis, must “study and learn the lessons of history because humanity has been involved in this soul-wrenching, existential struggle for a very long time.” The prize was established with an endowment gift from the Agentives Fund.

Eligibility

Nominations will be accepted for individuals and collaborative groups. Nominees may include professional historians whose accomplishments exemplify the value of professional historical work to public culture and social justice.