On October 21, 2024, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will present the second annual Secretary's Award for Global Anti-Racism Champions at the U.S. Department of State. This award honors six civil society leaders for their exceptional courage, leadership, and commitment to advancing racial equity, justice, and human rights. Following the ceremony, the awardees will participate in an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in Washington, D.C. and New York City, NY, where they will engage in knowledge exchanges with their U.S. counterparts on advancing the human rights and fundamental freedoms of members of marginalized communities and combating systemic racism, discrimination, violence, and xenophobia.
The 2024 awardees include:
Dintie Sule Tayiru (Ghana)
Mr. Tayiru has worked tirelessly as Executive Director of SAVE-Ghana to promote the inclusion of the Fulbe, a marginalized group in the Upper West Region. The Fulbe have long experienced systemic discrimination, including police harassment and denial of citizenship. His engagement with local authorities has led to significant reforms, including lower cattle tax rates and mediation efforts between Fulbe and non-Fulbe communities. He holds a master's degree in philosophy in social policy and service management. Mr. Tayiru is being honored for advancing the human rights of vulnerable groups and promoting inclusive governance for Fulbe communities.
John Leerdam (Netherlands)
Mr. Leerdam has spent more than four decades fighting for racial equity in Dutch society. He served as a Member of Parliament and founded Black Achievement Month, which celebrates Black excellence in the arts. He has advised ministries and managed the Netherlands' participation in the International Decade for People of African Descent, and he is currently helping develop Amsterdam's National Slavery Museum. He holds a master's degree in fine arts from Columbia University. Mr. Leerdam is being honored for his leadership in advancing the human rights of Black Dutch citizens and advocating for recognition of people of African descent in the Netherlands.
Elvis Shakjiri (North Macedonia)
Mr. Shakjiri is a founding member and Executive Director of Romalitico, an institute dedicated to Roma advocacy. He has played a critical role in ending Roma statelessness and has helped numerous Roma navigate complex administrative systems to access social services and education. His lifelong dedication to the Roma people has led to significant legislative progress. He holds a master's degree in human rights from Central European University and a law degree from the Southeastern European University (SEEU) in Hungary. Mr. Shakjiri is being honored for his efforts to advance Roma rights and combat anti-Roma discrimination in North Macedonia.
Urmila Chaudhary (Nepal)
Ms. Chaudhary is an abolitionist and gender and labor activist who was rescued from child servitude at age 17. She co-founded the Freed Kamlari Development Forum and established 42 cooperatives to empower former bonded laborers. She is currently studying law to further her fight against injustice. Ms. Chaudhary is being honored for her dedication to advancing the rights of marginalized castes and ethnic communities in Nepal and for combatting systemic racism and intersectional abuses.
Tanya Duarte (Mexico)
Ms. Duarte is an Afro-Mexican feminist and anti-racist activist who has worked for over 35 years to support marginalized communities in Mexico. She leads seminars on gender, reproductive health, and human rights and has fiercely advocated for public policies that promote equity. She co-founded the Afromexicanidad Congress and has been a strong voice for Afro-Mexican rights. Ms. Duarte is being honored for her work advancing the rights of Afro-Mexicans and advocating for equitable access to education and justice.
Tomasa Yarhui Jacomé (Bolivia)
Ms. Jacomé has dedicated 25 years to advocating for Indigenous rights in Bolivia. She was the first Indigenous woman to serve as a municipal councilor and serve as minister in Bolivia. Ms. Jacomé has worked on issues related to human rights, climate change, and gender-based violence. She holds a law degree and a master's degree in constitutional law. Ms. Jacomé is being honored for her advocacy on behalf of Indigenous peoples in Bolivia and for her leadership in combatting systemic racism and gender-based violence.
