From its earliest days, Bread & Roses Community Fund has stood with and supported those fighting against imperialism, fascism, militarism, and war. Our early grantees were vocal opponents of the Vietnam War, the MOVE bombing, and the FBI’s covert and illegal surveillance under COINTELPRO. 

Today, we stand with communities calling for an end to state violence in all forms and contexts — from Gaza to Sudan, Cop City to North Philly, and SCOTUS to school districts. 

To recognize the local leaders mobilizing against state violence, the theme for the 2024 Tribute to Change was “Bending the Arc: Celebrating the Justice Seekers.” We lifted up those who are striving to build a world where every person is recognized as a precious, beautiful and worthy individual—and as part of a shared collectivity where everyone can thrive.

Photos from the event!

Honorees

These inspiring honorees were selected by our volunteer Tribute to Change planning committee and the Bread & Roses board of directors from nominations submitted by community members.

Masaru Edmund Nakawatase, Paul Robeson Lifetime Achievement Award
Patricia “Mama Patt” Vickers, Paul Robeson Lifetime Achievement Award
Erika Guadalupe Núñez, Trailblazer Award
Rabbi Alissa Wise, Trailblazer Award
Nora Elmarzouky, Emerging Leader Award
Shuja Moore, Emerging Leader Award  
A J Scruggs, Emerging Leader Award
Philly Palestine Coalition, Victory Is Ours Award
Gender Justice Fund, Robin Hood Was Right Award
Plaintiffs and Legal Teams Responsible for West Philadelphia Community Fund, Robin Hood Was Right Award

Learn more about our 2024 honorees!

Sponsors

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Click here for more information on how.

Planning Committee

In preparation for this year’s Tribute to Change, we wanted to share some details about the event and venue accessibility.

• Tribute to Change will be held outside, under a tent. There is a one-inch slanted incline leading into the tent.
• Masks are not required at this year’s Tribute to Change, but they will be available at the registration table.
• Valet parking is available free of charge. Valet service will begin at the Italian Fountain, which is along Waterworks Drive, perpendicular to Kelly Drive. The Fountain is approximately 75 yards from the entrance to our event at the Fairmount Water Works. Those who cannot easily traverse the 75 yards, may drive up to the event entrance where a valet will take your car (and pick you up after the event).
• There are two restroom options. One is at ground level, with a single stall each for men and women. There is a portable ramp leading into these restrooms. This site is closer to the tent. The second option is set further back, with more stalls and five steps leading up to the restroom units.
• The program video will be closed-captioned.
• A limited number of large text program booklets will be available.
• There will be an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter on-site.
• If pre-requested, there will be a Spanish-speaking interpreter on-site.

If there are any additional accommodations you may need to attend and enjoy this event, please email us at tribute@breadrosesfund.org.

About the Tribute to Change

The Tribute to Change is Bread & Roses’ annual gathering honoring local social change heroes. Explore past events here.