Olympian, activist Gwen Berry named 2020 Toyota Humanitarian Award recipient

INDIANAPOLIS -- 2016 Olympian and Activist Gwen Berry has been named the 2020 Toyota Humanitarian Award recipient for her continued activism bringing awareness to and educating others on issues of social justice.

The Toyota Humanitarian Award is presented to a USATF athlete with an outstanding record of community involvement. As part of the award, Toyota will donate $10,000 to the awardee’s charity of choice. Last year’s recipient was the late Gabe Grunewald benefitting the Brave Like Gabe Foundation, accepted on her behalf by her parents. 

“Thank you USATF and Toyota for presenting me with this year’s Humanitarian Award. I am honored, grateful and happy that issues like social justice and civil rights are no longer being ignored or being pushed under the rug. It’s time to fight the good fight,” said Gwen Berry

Since winning gold at the 2019 Pan American Games and raising her fist on the podium, elite hammer thrower and activist Gwen Berry has become one of the most outspoken leaders in the sport fighting to bring awareness to issues of social injustice in the United States.

Berry has used her voice to speak powerfully on her social media platforms and in dozens of interviews with the media and on podcasts to educate others on the issues facing Black Americans and Black athletes. 

Berry recently joined Color of Change as their first sponsorship of a professional athlete.

“Gwen Berry is a mother, an athlete and advocate for social change,” said USATF CEO Max Siegel. “She is using her platform to make societal change and we are proud that she represents our sport.”

“At Toyota, respect for people and continuous improvement have long been core pillars of the company and have guided us as we work to make the marketplace, workplace, and world a better place for all,” said Dedra DeLilli, group manager, Olympic and Paralympic marketing, Toyota Motor North America. “Gwen Berry’s efforts to impact change within society echo these values, and we’re honored to recognize her work with this award.” 

Berry will formally accept her award during the 2020 USATF Annual Meeting later this week, held virtually December 3-6.

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