SALT recognizes the contributions of activists whose passion for social justice has driven their lives.  The M. Shanara Gilbert Human Rights Award is named after a CUNY Law School professor who dedicated her life to equality, equity, and justice.  She was killed at the age of 45, along with Haywood Burns, in a car accident while visiting South Africa.  In her memory, SALT honors those who believe in fighting for a better world.

1997—M. Shanara Gilbert

1999—Dr. Jesse N. Stone, Jr.

2000—Honorable Barney Frank

2003—Steven Bright and Bryan Stevenson

2004—Congressman John Lewis

2005—Eva Patterson

2006—David Cole and Center for Constitutional Rights

2007—Joshua Rosenkranz

2008—Jennifer Harbury and Sister Dianna Ortiz

2009—Rhonda Copelon

2011--Prison Law Office, San Quentin, CA