LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The 10th Annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards took place on Saturday and many big names were honored.
The awards are the Muhammad Ali Center's largest annual fundraiser. Seasoned awards honor those who have dedicated a significant portion of their lives to humanitarianism, and Six Core Principle awards are given to people 30 years old and younger.
KIND snack and energy bar founder Daniel Lubetzky received the first ever Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for Civility and Compassion. He was recognized for his social entrepreneurship and empowering people to overcome extreme beliefs and division.
Lubetzky, the son of a Holocaust survivor, founded the OneVoice Movement, which amplifies the voices of moderate Israelis and Palestinians to resolve conflict.
Jason Flom received the Muhammad Ali Lifetime Achievement Award. Flom is the founder and CEO of Lava Records, and former CEO of Atlantic Records and Virgin Records.
Flom is an outspoken advocate for people wrongfully convicted. He founded the Innocence Project and Families Against Mandatory Minimums.
Actress Holly Robinson Peete and her husband Rodney Peete, a former NFL quarterback, received the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year Award. The couple founded the HollyRod Foundation to raise awareness and provide resources to families of a loved one diagnosed with autism or Parkinson's Disease.
The 2023 Kentuckian of the Year Award went to Louisville Metro Police (LMPD) Officer Nickolas Wilt. He was one of the first officers to respond to the Old National Bank shooting earlier this year and was severely wounded in the attack.
That award was presented by Gov. Andy Beshear to Wilt and his brothers, who were all in attendance.
"Officer Wilt, I can never put into words just how thankful I am for you, your bravery, and your sacrifice," Beshear said. "You are a true Kentucky hero and we love you."
Six international humanitarians were also honored for doing work in their countries and communities that embody one of Muhammad Ali’s Six Core Principles: confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect, and spirituality.
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