Eric K. Ward, a nationally-recognized expert on the relationship between authoritarian movements, hate violence, and preserving inclusive democracy, is the recipient of the 2021 Civil Courage Prize—the first American in the award’s 21-year history. In his 30+ year civil rights career, Eric has worked with community groups, government and business leaders, human rights advocates, and philanthropy as an organizer, director, program officer, consultant, and board member. Eric’s widely quoted writings and speeches are credited with key narrative shifts. He currently serves as Executive Vice President of Race Forward, a member of the President’s Leadership Council for the Search for Common Good, Chair of The Proteus Fund, and Advisor to the Bridge Entertainment Labs.
Organizers
- Berkeley Center for Jewish Studies
- Berkeley Center for the Study of Religion
- Graduate Theological Union
- Berkeley Center for Right-Wing Studies
- Berkeley Hillel
- Berkeley Department of Ethnic Studies
- Helen Diller Institute for Jewish Law and Israel Studies
- Jewish Student Association at Berkeley Law
- Thelton E. Henderson Center for Social Justice, Berkeley Law
- Othering and Belonging Institute
- UC Berkeley Social Science Matrix