The 40th Annual Upton Sinclair Celebration: Uniting Power & Purpose Wrap Up
On April 19th, the Liberty Hill Community came together like never before to celebrate frontline organizers, community leaders, and donor activists who contribute to the progressive victories that power social change in Los Angeles.
Our 40th Annual Upton Sinclair Celebration was a night full of festivity, friendship, and fun as more than 750 guests gathered at the beautiful Skirball Cultural Center. Under this year’s theme, “Uniting Power and Purpose,” the foundation recognized four honorees who have dedicated their lives to the fight for social justice and championed victories that have made Los Angeles more just and equitable for all.
Honorees included philanthropist and LGBTQ+ donor activist, Weston Milliken, recipient of the Founders Award; Emmy-nominated choreographers Chloe Arnold and Maud Arnold of the Chloe and Maud Foundation, recipients of the Creative Vision Award; the Stand Together Against Neighborhood Drilling – Los Angeles (STAND-L.A.) Coalition, recipients of the Wally Marks Changemaker Award; and keynote speaker, President and CEO of The California Endowment, Dr. Robert K. Ross, recipient of the Upton Sinclair Award.
The milestone celebration had it all! From our immersive Forest of Partnerships exhibit highlighting Liberty Hill grantees and community partners to our “No Drilling Where We’re Living” Wall which came to life as the night progressed, this year’s Upton Sinclair Celebration was quite an event to remember.
The evening’s program included live performances by tap-dancing supergroup, The Syncopated Ladies, along with the premier of the “Uniting Power and Purpose” film highlighting the STAND-L.A. Coalition’s tireless fight to end toxic neighborhood oil drilling in Los Angeles County.
This year’s celebration also coincided with the 100th anniversary of the 1923 Liberty Hill Strike in San Pedro, California, where writer and political activist Upton Sinclair delivered his infamous speech which signaled the rebirth of the labor movement in Southern California.
We are so grateful to everyone who came out in support of our 40th Annual Upton Sinclair Celebration and we look forward to celebrating more milestones in the future!
