Photograph of Human Rights Champions

Throughout history, brave and visionary people have devoted themselves to fighting for equality, dignity, and freedom. This exhibit features portraits of prominent human rights defenders – people who experienced or witnessed injustice and decided to take action. For these human rights champions, advocating for equality and freedom required taking on powerful leaders who fought, often brutally, to maintain control. Each of these champions endured retaliation. Some were threatened, others defamed or imprisoned; two were assassinated. Though they faced violence, most did not resort to violence. Rather, they dedicated themselves to pursuing human rights through peaceful protest and organizing.