Bruce Springsteen and Colin Kaepernick were honored with the ACLU Ralph Ellison Award during a ceremony in Washington on July 24, 2026.
At the event, organizers recognized both men for their work connected to civil rights and civil liberties. Kaepernick spoke about the importance of protecting education, dignity, and the rights of future generations. The ceremony also acknowledged the professional and personal consequences he faced after protesting police violence and racial inequality during his NFL career.
Springsteen was honored for his long record of using music and public appearances to address social and political issues. He closed the ceremony with a solo performance of Streets of Minneapolis, bringing the evening to a quiet musical finish.
Actress and activist Laverne Cox hosted the event. The award takes its name from writer Ralph Ellison, whose work examined race, identity, and American society.
The ceremony brought together figures from music, sports, and entertainment while focusing on civic participation and the defense of constitutional freedoms.