The Frederick Douglass Award, named after Frederick Douglass who freed himself from slavery and led the anti-slavery movement during the 19th century in the US, honors an individual (outside US) “who has survived a form of slavery and is now using his or her life in freedom to help others exercise the purpose of their lives.” The award criteria include:
- Action against slavery or against some of the conditions that lead to slavery.
- Determination to seek out their own purpose in life and decide on his or her own actions.
- Ability to cope with and overcome challenges.
- Integrity between his or her beliefs, ideas, and practical activities.
There is an award of $10,000 for a program of training and capacity building which the winner can use for expanding his/her work. Besides, there is a cash award of another $10,000 which can be used by the winner “as he or she feels appropriate”
Individuals or organizations can nominate individuals for the award. Nominations to be sent by email after downloading the form from the Free the Slaves website. The deadline to submit nominations is 1 August 2010. For more information, visit this link.
