Mass Humanities is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Governor’s Awards in the Humanities. The award ceremony will take place Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. The foundation celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
Presented in partnership with Governor Maura Healey, Mass Humanities will honor Martín Espada, Jackie Jenkins-Scott, Bob Rivers, and Cheryll Toney Holley for their contributions to the humanities and improving public life in Massachusetts.
“I am thrilled to present the 2024 Governor’s Awards in the Humanities to these four incredible honorees,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The humanities make up the cornerstone of Massachusetts culture. These four leaders have made significant contributions to the arts, education, civil rights, philanthropy, and so much more. On behalf of the state, I share my immense gratitude for their work and congratulate them on today’s recognition.”
This year’s honorees were selected for their diverse contributions to major aspects of civic and social life:
- Martín Espada, for his work as a poet, editor, and essayist with a focus on using writing and storytelling to address pressing issues and reclaim historical narratives, including those of the Puerto Rican community in Massachusetts. Read full bio.
- Jackie Jenkins-Scott, for her extensive career showcasing a steadfast dedication to utilizing the tools of the humanities and engaging in cross-disciplinary collaboration as a leader in higher education and public health. Read full bio.
- Bob Rivers, for his contributions to the humanities and philanthropy by maintaining a strong emphasis on local community investment as CEO and Chair of Eastern Bank, while working throughout his career to champion social justice causes, especially LGBTQ+ rights, and motivating other business leaders to operate ethically. Read full bio.
- Cheryll Toney Holley, for her ability to unite people through the strategic use of history, art, and cultural education with the goal of promoting social and economic justice for Black and indigenous communities in Massachusetts, including work with the Nipmuc Women’s Health Coalition, Nipmuc Indian Development Corporation, the Hassanamisco Indian Museum, and the Worcester Black History Project. Read full bio.
“These individuals reflect the incredible ecosystem of the humanities in Massachusetts,” said Brian Boyles, Executive Director of Mass Humanities. “Our world is better due to their creative genius and commitment to serving our communities. We thank Governor Healey for partnering with us this year to celebrate these transformational humanists and our 50th anniversary.”
Since 2014, Mass Humanities has collaborated with the Office of the Governor and hosted the Governor’s Awards to recognize excellence in the humanities. Past awardees include: Margaret Burnham, Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, Callie Crossley, Sonia Nieto, Jessie Little Doe Baird, Ellen Dunlap, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Atul Gawande, Margaret Marshall, and J. Hubie Jones, among others.
Proceeds from sponsorships, ticket sales and direct donations benefit the organizations and programs that Mass Humanities supports each year including Expand Massachusetts Stories, the Clemente Course in the Humanities, Reading Frederick Douglass Together, and the Smithsonian Museum on Main Street traveling exhibit.
In 2023, Mass Humanities provided more than $2 million in funding to 130 organizations, including museums, historic sites, libraries, education providers, and community centers.
For further information, contact Jill Brevik, Director of Development, at jbrevik@masshumanities.org.