The Five Legacy Awards
Each award honors a visionary educator and activist whose work advanced learning and liberation. At the 6th Annual celebration, all five were presented live on stage to the educators carrying that work forward.
James Baldwin Award for Courageous Teaching & Truth
James Baldwin
1924-1987
American writer and civil rights activist whose work illuminated the complexities of race, sexuality, and class in America.
What This Award Honors
Honors an educator who teaches with intellectual rigor, cultural awareness, and fearless truth-telling.
Presented by:
The State of Black Learning · Silver PartnerJames Baldwin
1924-1987
Mary Church Terrell Award for Student Advocacy & Leadership
Mary Church Terrell
1863-1954
One of the first African American women to earn a college degree and a founding member of the NAACP.
What This Award Honors
Recognizes excellence in student support, advocacy, and community leadership.
Presented by:
Equity Now, Inc. · Platinum PartnerMary Church Terrell
1863-1954
Katherine Johnson Award for Academic Precision & Excellence
Katherine Johnson
1918-2020
NASA mathematician whose orbital calculations were critical to the success of the first U.S. crewed spaceflights.
What This Award Honors
Honors exceptional data-driven instruction and commitment to student mastery.
Presented by:
CM Strategies · Silver PartnerKatherine Johnson
1918-2020
Ellen Ochoa Award for Scientific Curiosity & Innovation
Ellen Ochoa
1958-present
The first Hispanic woman to go to space and former director of NASA's Johnson Space Center.
What This Award Honors
Recognizes innovative teaching that inspires inquiry, exploration, and excellence.
Presented by:
KenectEd by NetAesthetics · Silver PartnerEllen Ochoa
1958-present
Pura Belpré Award for Literacy & Liberation
Pura Belpré
1899-1982
The first Puerto Rican librarian at the New York Public Library and a pioneering children's author.
What This Award Honors
Celebrates an educator advancing literacy as a tool for identity, voice, and freedom.
Presented by:
Legends Parent Organization · Gold PartnerPura Belpré
1899-1982
Carry a Legacy Forward
Every one of these awards was carried onto the stage by a partner. Partnership for the 7th Annual Legends Charter Day Awards Celebration opens soon — choose which legacy your organization champions next.
A Legends Charter School event presented by Equity Now, Inc.