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