At the Washington Hilton on July 24, rock legend Bruce Springsteen was recognized for his contributions to civil rights during the American Civil Liberties Union's Biennial Leadership Conference. The 76-year-old musician was one of five individuals honored at the event, which drew an audience of approximately 1,200 people, largely consisting of high school students from the National Advocacy Institute.
Springsteen accepted the newly created Ralph Ellison Award for Defenders of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties in the Arts, Business, Science, and Sports. During his appearance, he modestly downplayed his role as an activist, describing himself instead as a concerned citizen who uses his music to express his views. To mark the occasion, Springsteen performed his protest song, "Streets of Minneapolis," which he composed in January following the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti and Alex Pretti, who were killed by federal immigration officers.
"I will accept this award tonight for the folks who really deserve it," Springsteen remarked, dedicating the honor to citizens across the country who have stood up for their neighbors and democratic ideals in cities such as Portland, Los Angeles, New York, and across Minnesota. He also emphasized the importance of those who perform the tangible work of supporting democracy.
Also receiving the Ralph Ellison Award was activist and former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. In his address to the attendees, Kaepernick urged the audience to take an active role in shaping the future, stating, "We get to rewrite history… We do not have to be passive. We do not have to be spectators. We get to choose how history remembers us."
The ceremony, hosted by actor and activist Laverne Cox, also recognized other notable figures. Vanita Gupta, CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, received the ACLU Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty. UC Berkeley Law Dean Erwin Chemerinsky was awarded the ACLU Presidential Prize, while South Carolina advocate Elizabeth Foster received the new ACLU Next Generation Leader in Civil Rights and Civil Liberties award. Throughout the evening, Cox encouraged participants to embrace empathy and truth.
This recognition follows a series of recent social justice engagements for Springsteen. Earlier this summer, he was honored with the Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award at the Tribeca Festival. Additionally, he recently allowed the ACLU to use his 1984 song "Born in the USA" for an advertising campaign regarding the Supreme Court case Trump vs. Barbara, in which the court ruled against an executive order to terminate automatic birthright citizenship for children of undocumented or temporary-visa parents.
