Brooke Russell Astor Award

Given annually to an "unsung hero" of New York City.

The Brooke Russell Astor Award was established in 1987 as part of a generous endowment gift to The New York Public Library from David Rockefeller. Mr. Rockefeller’s gift is a tribute to Mrs. Astor’s continued commitment to supporting the role of individuals who improve the quality of life in New York City. Given annually, the Brooke Russell Astor Award honors an unsung hero or heroine, someone whose unrelenting efforts and tireless dedication to this city have contributed substantially to its betterment. Nominations for the Brooke Russell Astor Award are solicited from over 400 individuals and organizations, including cultural groups, universities, foundations, elected officials, community groups, and social service agencies. The selection committee includes representatives from the cultural, academic, government, and social service communities of New York.

• 2013: To Mr. Jon Green, Network Leader / Director of Instruction, The Urban Assembly
• 2012: To Mr. Seymore Fliegel, Founder of the Center for Educational Innovation
• 2009: To Lucine Clarke, Founder and Executive Director of My Time, Inc.
• 2008: To Reverend Terry Troia, Executive Director of Project Hospitality
• 2004: To co-founder of Abraham House, alternative to prison 
• 2003: To founder of Refugee Women Council 
• 2002: To provider of critical services to the ill and needy 
• 2001: To Advocate on Immigrant Rights 
• 2000: To Activist for Puerto Rican Women and Children 
• 1999: To Washington Heights Community Activist 
• 1998: To New York City Police Detective 
• 1997: To Leading Advocate on Lead Poisoning Prevention