The Courageous Class 2021

Each year, the Museum of the Courageous celebrates stories of courage by honoring individuals who have taken a stand against hate.

The members of the inaugural Courageous Class inspire us to work unceasingly to ensure that America’s culture and its institutions reflect the ideals of justice and equality. Some have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of equality, some have corrected historical injustices, and others have refused to stay silent in the face of hate.

All have bent their communities and our country toward justice.

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Darnella Frazier

Filmed the murder of George Floyd, sparking a global uprising to confront racism and police brutality.

Shahid Shafi and Texas Republicans

Fought for religious freedom and a more perfect union.

Pittsburgh’s Faith Community

Denounced hate in solidarity following the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in US history.

Ricky John Best, Taliesin Myrddin Namkai Meche, and Micah Fletcher

Protected two young women from a hate-fueled attack on a train.

Ana Ramos, Leslie Hiatt, and Bell Gardens Fourth Graders

Advocated to amplify the under-told story of an unjust 1930s government policy.

Pamela Raintree

Led a charge to guarantee equal protection for LGBTQ+ people.

Aiko Herzig Yoshinaga

Revealed the truth about WWII Japanese internment camps.

Vernon Dahmer, Sr.

Fought for Black Americans’ right to vote and was murdered for his courage.

Pauli Murray

Devoted her life to Civil Rights, dealing a fatal blow to the doctrine of “separate but equal.”