CONCORD, N.H. — The New Hampshire Supreme Court Society will posthumously honor slain conflict journalist James Foley with its the Life and Liberty Award at a ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 13 at the New Hampshire Supreme Court in Concord, New Hampshire. John and Diane Foley, James’ parents, will accept on his behalf.
James Foley, a freelance journalist, was beheaded by ISIS in 2014 after nearly two years in captivity in northern Syria. The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation was created the same year by his family to improve the safety and treatment of independent freelance conflict journalists, to advocate for the safe return of Americans kidnapped abroad and to improve U.S. hostage policy.
“Jim cherished his freedom and felt privileged to be an American. He found profound moral courage in the Arabs’ deep desire and willingness to die for freedom from tyranny. This motivated him to continue to bear witness to their dream of liberty,” said foundation President Diane Foley.
“Thus we are so deeply honored to receive this posthumous award for Jim and all truth seekers.”
The Life and Liberty Award is given to individuals who have demonstrated excellence and bravery in the world of human rights, civil rights and the law. Past recipients include freedom rider and U.S. Rep. John Lewis, civil rights activist Jonathan Daniels, international human rights advocate Rep. Tom Lantos and head of the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council Madhat al-Mahmood.
The society focused on James Foley’s role as an advocate for a free press in choosing him as the recipient of this year’s honor, according to New Hampshire Supreme Court Society trustee and past president Sherilyn Burnett Young.
“We chose Jim because in these days where freedom of the press is under siege around the world, we thought it more than fitting to give the award to a brave journalist who risked (and gave) his life to show the world the horrors of modern war,” said Burnett Young.
NPR’s Lulu Garcia-Navarro, host of “Weekend Edition Sunday” and former foreign correspondent, will give the keynote address.
About the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation
James W Foley was an independent American conflict journalist who worked extensively across the Middle East. He was taken hostage by ISIS in Syria in 2012 and was killed in 2014. His impact on colleagues and friends has been highlighted in the awarding-winning documentary film “Jim: The James Foley Story”.
The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation is a registered nonprofit foundation that supports work in three key areas that were important to Jim’s life: American hostage freedom, protection of independent conflict journalists, and education of the public and university students regarding these silent crises.
About the New Hampshire Supreme Court Society
Created in 2007, the New Hampshire Supreme Court Society (a 501(c)(3) charitable organization) was formed for the purpose of promoting an understanding and appreciation of the New Hampshire Supreme Court and an independent and effective judiciary in New Hampshire. Through its educational programs, exhibits, lecture series and its oral history project, the Society seeks to increase public awareness of the life of the law — both past and present. The Society is guided by its Board of Trustees, composed of leading attorneys and civic-minded citizens throughout the State of New Hampshire. Its funding is entirely from members and sponsors. Membership and attendance at its events are open to all who support the work of the Society and its mission.
