Civil and Human Rights Coalition Congratulates Polk Award Recipient Simeon Booker

WASHINGTON – Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement congratulating renowned journalist Simeon Booker of Jet Magazine on receiving the prestigious George Polk career award for journalism. Booker was the Washington Post’s first Black reporter, and served as the Washington Bureau Chief of Jet Magazine for more than 50 years.

“We are elated at the Polk Awards’ recognition of Simeon Booker’s unwavering commitment to the continuously evolving fight for civil rights, and congratulate him on this well-deserved honor.

For over 50 years, Simeon dedicated his life’s career to ensuring that the voices and struggles of African Americans were heard. A courageous and exemplary journalist, Simeon pioneered coverage of the civil rights movement. From the 1955 lynching and murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till to the Freedom Rides, Simeon’s journalism brought the discrimination and atrocities committed against African Americans to the forefront of America’s attention.

The civil and human rights community honors and congratulates Simeon, a true champion of equality, accountability, and justice. ”

Wade Henderson is the president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its 200-plus member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.