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n the wake of the killing of George Floyd and the protests that followed, award-winning filmmaker Steven Spielberg has chosen Black Voters Matter as a recipient of his foundation’s Genesis Prize. The $1 million gift, which will be split among 10 winners, was recently awarded to Jewish and non-Jewish organizations whose mission is to fight racial injustice.
“Judaism and Jewish history begin with two narratives: Genesis and Exodus, stories about creation and liberation from oppression, about the discovery of the moral voice and of human dignity,” Spielberg said in a statement. “From these accounts come the ethical precepts commanding us to work for a more just and equitable world.”
Other award recipients include Avodah, a Jewish group that addresses social and economic issues, One Fair Wage and Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, the movement’s activism wing, among others. Award recipients are actively working to push back efforts by state-level GOP lawmakers to restrict voting rights.
Black Voters Matter is also the recipient of a $500,000 donation by Patagonia. The California-based outdoor clothing company announced the award in response to Georgia’s recently passed legislation that restricts voting.
“Protecting our democracy is an all-hands-on-deck commitment that’s ongoing,” said Patagonia’s CEO Ryan Gellert. “The strength of our democracy depends on every vote being counted everywhere, and we must protect access to the ballot box.”
