New York, NY, October 12, 2022 - Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights today announced it has opened its 2023 RFK Book and Journalism Awards for submissions. Submitted works must have been published, aired, or broadcast in 2022 to be eligible for consideration. The deadline for all entries is January 10, 2023.
The annual competition, in place since 1969 for journalism categories and 1980 for the book award, highlights the most exemplary student and professional work across book, print, broadcast, photo, and nontraditional media categories that focuses on issues such as human rights, social justice, and the power of individual action.
Last year’s winners included Elizabeth Hinton’s book “America on Fire,” which traces the untold history of police violence and Black rebellion since the 1960s; the Miami Herald and ProPublica’s investigative project, “Birth and Betrayal,” which examines the systemic and inhumane treatment by the State of Florida of families with disabled children; and Hillcrest High School’s “The Talk,” an unscripted and honest conversation about Black teenagers’ perceptions in society.
This year’s contest includes a recently updated Criminal Justice category, which honors exemplary reporting on the American justice system and its effects on communities, housing, employment, and education. Entries may reflect issues such as bail reform, mass incarceration, and racial and economic disparities in the criminal justice system. This year’s contest will also recognize pieces presented in a "nontraditional" format, such as podcasts or pieces published over multiple types of media.
Winners will be announced during a virtual ceremony held on World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2023 featuring leading journalists, authors, and activists. Winners receive a bust of Robert Kennedy along with a cash prize: $2,500 for the Book Award winner, $1,000 for each of the professional journalism award categories, and $500 for student award winners.
Visit RFKHumanRights.org for more information on the awards and last year’s honorees.
About Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights
We are a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that has worked to realize Robert F. Kennedy's dream of a more just and peaceful world since 1968. In partnership with local activists, we advocate for key human rights issues—championing change makers and pursuing strategic litigation at home and around the world. And to ensure change that lasts, we foster a social-good approach to business and investment and educate millions of students about human rights and social justice.
Media contacts:
Amy Zelvin Reid, reid@rfkhumanrights.org
Emma Gillett, gillett@rfkhumanrights.org