Christine Blasey Ford has been nominated for a major—and deserved—honor

When Dr. Christine Blasey Ford testified about her sexual assault accusations against Brett Kavanaugh in September, countless Americans were struck by the strength she showed in making her trauma known to the world. Fellow survivors and advocates alike rallied around Ford, and her influence was even recognized with a Time magazine cover. Now, she has been nominated for a prestigious award recognizing her bravery.

On January 28th, Democratic representative Jackie Speier tweeted that she is nominating Ford for the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award. According to the award’s website, the Profile in Courage Award was created in honor of President John F. Kennedy “to recognize and celebrate the quality of political courage that he admired most.” It has been presented every year since 1989, and the past winners include President Barack Obama (2017), President George H.W. Bush (2014), Representative Gabby Giffords (2013), and Representative John Lewis (2001).

In her tweet, Speier explained why she felt Ford is deserving of the award:

"Nominating Dr. Christine Blasey Ford—a true American (s)hero who sacrificed so much to do what was right for our country and for the pursuit of truth of justice—for this year’s Profiles in Courage Award @JFKLibrary," she wrote. "She is an inspiration to us all."

Nominating Dr. Christine Blasey Ford – a true American (s)hero who sacrificed so much to do what was right for our country and for the pursuit of truth of justice – for this year’s Profiles in Courage Award @JFKLibrary. She is an inspiration to us all.

— Jackie Speier (@RepSpeier) January 29, 2019

Of course, Speier’s nomination doesn’t mean that Ford will be the next honoree. The 2019 recipient will be determined by a bipartisan committee of members of Congress (Speier is not on the committee). And the website states that, “Ordinarily, the award will be presented to Americans who are or were elected officials” at the local, state, or federal level. Sometimes, international leaders have also been honored. The 2019 Profile in Courage Award will be presented in May at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

Regardless of whether or not Ford receives this award, her bravery has left a lasting mark. We will always be grateful to her for speaking her truth and empowering survivors.