ICONIC 2025 HONOREES

FCSJ Founder’s Award

The Freedom Center for Social Justice’s Founder’s Award is a distinguished recognition presented to an individual or partner who has advanced the mission, vision, and values of FCSJ in powerful and tangible ways. This award honors those who demonstrate unwavering commitment to social justice, equality, and liberation, while uplifting marginalized communities and expanding the reach of collective change. Recipients embody the heart of our work and help strengthen the movement for a more just and compassionate world.

This year, we are honored to present the Founder’s Award to Braxton Winston, whose leadership, courage, and steadfast dedication to equity have made a lasting impact on Charlotte, North Carolina and beyond. Braxton’s work as an organizer, cultural worker, and former Council Member has helped shift the political and social landscape of our city. His voice has consistently challenged systems that harm Black, Brown, LGBTQ, and immigrant communities, and his advocacy has opened doors for meaningful change in civic life.

We are proud to honor Braxton Winston for his impact, his integrity, and his unwavering belief in the power of community. His legacy strengthens our shared movement toward liberation and reminds us that meaningful change begins with courageous people willing to speak truth and chart a new path forward.