Mallika Dutt Honored with the American Courage Award

Mallika Dutt, Breakthrough’s Executive Director has been chosen to be honored by the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC) with the American Courage Award this year. Created in 1997 by the AAJC, one of the nation’s leading civil rights organizations, the American Courage Award is bestowed upon an individual, company or organization that has shown extraordinary courage or commitment to the cause of civil rights.

The award ceremony will take place at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., with Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) providing opening remarks. Anita Botti, Deputy Director of the President’s International Women’s Initiatives InterAgency Task Force, will present Mallika Dutt with the American Courage Award on behalf of Ambassador-at-Large, Melanne Verveer.

Mallika Dutt has a long history of activism and commitment to social change and has addressed global issues ranging women’s rights to racial justice and immigrant rights. For the last decade, she has been spearheading efforts to stop the erosion of fundamental human rights in the United States, particularly in the aftermath of 9/11.

“I am deeply honored to be the recipient of the American Courage Award,” said Mallika Dutt. “We hope that our collective efforts will result in new immigration policies that respect fundamental American values of fairness and due process.”

Through initiatives in India and the United States, Breakthrough addresses critical global issues including violence against women, sexuality and HIV/AIDS, racial justice and immigrant rights.

[ BY VRN ]