History Center Book Wins International Diversity and Inclusion Award
The Heinz History Center’s book, “LAUNCHED: The Life of Olympian Herb Douglas” by author and historian Anne Madarasz, has been awarded with the Gold Medal for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in the Research Projects/Publications category at the inaugural Anthem Awards.
The Smithsonian-affiliated Senator John Heinz History Center is proud to announce that its book,“LAUNCHED: The Life of Olympian Herb Douglas” by author and historian Anne Madarasz, has been awarded with the Gold Medal for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in the Research Projects/Publications category at the inaugural Anthem Awards.
Anthem winners are selected by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS), a diverse group of social impact leaders and experts who are all working to improve our world. Winners represent work that the academy scored the highest in the judging process. The IADAS also produces the annual Webby Awards.
A Pittsburgh native and University of Pittsburgh alumnus, Herb Douglas won a bronze medal in the long jump at the 1948 Olympic Games in London. He went on to become one of the first African American vice presidents of a major U.S. corporation.
“LAUNCHED: The Life of Olympian Herb Douglas” includes 90 historic photographs and commentary by world-class athletes like Roger Kingdom and other athletes mentored by Douglas.
“We’re grateful and honored to be selected by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences as its inaugural winner in the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion for publications category,” said Madarasz, the chief historian and Director of the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum at the History Center. “As Herb prepares to celebrate his 100th birthday on March 9, we can’t think of a better birthday present for him than to shine an international light on his incredible story.”
“It is our distinct honor to recognize the work that brands, organizations, and individuals are all making to create an impact in their community,” said Jessica Lauretti, Managing Director, The Anthem Awards. “We launched this platform to show the world that all corners of our culture, from sports and entertainment to business leaders and celebrities, are all standing up to say, it is time for systemic change and that social good is what we value as a society.”
All winners will be celebrated at the 1st Annual Anthem Voices Conference followed by a star-studded virtual awards show hosted by Jay Ellis, the star of HBO’s INSECURE and the upcoming film “Top Gun: Maverick,” on Monday, Feb. 28.
The “LAUNCHED” book was published in partnership with the History Center’s African American Program and the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum. The History Center’s African American Program is dedicated to the preservation, dissemination, and interpretation of the life, history, and culture of Africans and African Americans in Western Pennsylvania.
About the Senator John Heinz History Center
An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and the largest history museum in Pennsylvania, the Senatror John Heinz History Center presents American history with a Western Pennsylvania connection. The History Center and Sports Museum are located at 1212 Smallman Street in the city’s Strip District. The History Center’s family of museums includes the Sports Museum; the Fort Pitt Museum in historic Point State Park; and Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, a National Historic Landmark located in Avella, Pa. in Washington County. More information is available at www.heinzhistorycenter.org.
About the Anthem Awards:
The Anthem Awards, the Webby Awards newest initiative, was developed to recognize the breadth of social good work (online and offline) around the globe by honoring the organizations, brands, and people creating long-lasting impact; including, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion; Education, Art, & Culture; Health; Human & Civil Rights; Humanitarian Action & Services; Responsible Technology; and Sustainability, Environment, & Climate. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, the Anthem Awards are defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their communities. Founded in partnership with the Ad Council, Born This Way Foundation, Feeding America, Glaad, Mozilla, NAACP, NRDC, WWF, and XQ.
About the Webby Awards:
Hailed as the “Internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites; Video; Advertising, Media & PR; Apps, Mobile, and Voice; Social; Podcasts; and Games. Established in 1996, The Webby Awards received more than 13,500 entries from all 50 states and 70 countries worldwide this year. The Webby Awards are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include Verizon, WP Engine, YouGov, Brandlive, Canva, NAACP, KPMG, Fast Company, Wall Street Journal, MediaPost, Podcast Movement, and AIGA.