2014 BILL GRAHAM AWARD
When Conscious Alliance was established in 2002, their primary focus was to provide emergency food assistance to impoverished regions in the country. Since then, they have collected and distributed over 1.6 million meals to local food pantries nationwide and economically isolated Native American reservations through ongoing grassroots food collection and hunger awareness programs. While providing emergency food remains necessary in these communities, continued reliance on food banks maintains a dependency culture and does little to address the underlying social problems created by extreme economic isolation. The Rex grant is specifically made to support the youth program: Pine Ridge Reservation Drum Workshop (Cancega Woksape Project). This four-week program for 4th-8th graders is designed to teach Lakota boys (hoksila) and young teen males (koshkalaka) the ancient Lakota art of creating hand-drums along with the traditions surrounding the drum.
In memory of pioneering producer and founding Rex board member Bill Graham, himself a refugee, this award is for those working to assist children who are victims of political oppression and human rights violations.
