Civil liberties organizations to honor Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi

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The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) announced October 6, 2022, they are honoring Indian-American television host Padma Lakshmi along with two other women at 20^th Annual Sing Out For Freedom benefit concert on Monday, October 24.

Sing Out For Freedom was established “to shine a light on social injustices and civil rights issues through unforgettable, curated nights, featuring song, spoken word, and other performing arts,” a press release from the organizations said.

This 20^th edition will honor Lakshmi and two other women, “for their activism in civil liberties, and their tireless efforts working for a more equitable future for all.”

These honorees include: Emmy-nominated food expert, television host, executive producer and The New York Times best-selling author, Padma Lakshmi (Taste the Nation, Top Chef, and Tomatoes for Neela); singer, composer, and musician Shaina Taub, who will receive The Michael Friedman Freedom Award; and Rock N’ Roll Hall of Famer, National Book Award-winning author, poet, and music icon Patti Smith.

“I am humbled to be honored at Sing Out for Freedom this year,” says Padma Lakshmi. “I am forever grateful for the work of the ACLU and NYCLU, and, while it means so much to be recognized for what I have been able to do, there is still so much more to be done. Together, we can use what we’ve been given to pull other people up.”

Organizers said this year’s Sing Out for Freedom will look back at the past 20 years of historic wins for the ACLU and NYCLU; it will reflect on progress made; and the 20^th annual celebration will strategize for the road ahead.

“In the wake of nationwide attacks on abortion access and gender-affirming care, the New York Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU must shore up our defenses so we can continue our critical fight for the civil liberties and rights of people across the state. We are calling on dedicated New Yorkers to push back against this wave of draconian policies nationwide,” says Donna Lieberman, executive director of the NYCLU.

Busy Philipps, actor, activist, New York Times best-selling author, and star of the Peacock original, Girls5Eva, will host the festivities. Performers at the event will be announced at a later date, the press release said.