The Andrew Goodman Foundation

The mission of The Andrew Goodman Foundation is to recognize, encourage, and inspire creative and effective action in support of civil rights, human dignity, and social and environmental justice.

Andrew Goodman was 20 years old in 1964 when he joined Freedom Summer and traveled to Mississippi to register African American voters. On his first day in Mississippi, Andrew and his two companions – James Chaney and Michael Schwerner - were murdered by the Ku Klux Klan. Andy's commitment to the right of all Americans to vote and his desire to make the world a better place motivated him to take action. His life and his courage inspire us to continue finding ways to "heal the world".

The Foundation's Hidden Heroes Awards recognize ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things, just as Andy did. The awards are presented each year to individuals who are active in community-based organizations that exemplify the Foundation's mission through actions characterized by great personal initiative, selflessness, fearlessness, compassion, imagination, and achievement.

The Foundation has also established a Scholarship Fund at the Columbia University School of Journalism to provide financial assistance to students who are underrepresented in the field of journalism. In addition, the Foundation supports a Speakers Program, in partnership with Facing History and Ourselves, making it possible for schools and civic groups to hear compelling personal stories about the struggle for civil rights and social justice, past and present.