John Lewis Foundation Honors Atlanta Students and Nonprofits at Good Troublemakers Awards Luncheon

The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation held its Good Troublemakers Awards Luncheon in Atlanta on Saturday to celebrate students and community groups making a difference. The event took place at The Gathering Spot and honored ten high school seniors and three nonprofit organizations. These recipients were chosen because they carry on the legacy of the late Congressman John Lewis, a well-known civil rights leader from Georgia. Together, the awards added up to $25,000 in scholarships and grants.

The luncheon celebrated recipients of two types of awards: the Good Troublemaker Scholarships and the Good Troublemaker Neighborhood Grants. The students and organizations had already been recognized earlier in the month at the Foundation's Good Trouble Gala held in Washington, D.C. Saturday's event gave the community in Atlanta a chance to come together and celebrate their local honorees in person.

Michael E. Collins, the board chair and interim president of the Foundation, spoke at the event about why this work matters. He said, 'Congressman John Lewis frequently reminded us that each generation has a responsibility to help build a more just and equitable world.' Collins added that this year's winners show what it means to make 'good trouble' — a phrase John Lewis used to describe standing up for what is right, even when it is hard. His words reminded guests that young people have real power to create change in their communities.

The $1,000 Good Troublemaker Scholarships were given to ten graduating high school seniors. To qualify, students needed to plan on studying education, literacy, or library science in college. Winners came from several Atlanta-area schools, including Charles R. Drew Charter School, Booker T. Washington High School, Maynard H. Jackson High School, B.E.S.T. Academy, Cedar Grove High School, and Decatur High School. Each of these students showed a strong commitment to learning and serving others.

The Foundation also gave out three Good Troublemaker Neighborhood Grants, each worth $5,000. The three groups that received grants were Girls of Excellence Inc., Noble Truth Project Inc., and The Well of Restoration. These Atlanta-based nonprofit organizations were picked for their work in areas like mentorship, education, social justice, and community wellness. Their efforts help serve people living in Georgia's 5th Congressional District, the area that John Lewis represented for more than 30 years.

CBS News Atlanta anchor T.J. Anthony served as the emcee, or host, for the luncheon. The event brought together students, families, community leaders, and supporters to recognize the hard work of this year's honorees. The Foundation's mission is to inspire the next generation to keep fighting for a fair and equal society, just as John Lewis did throughout his life.