PHILADELPHIA — The ACLU of Pennsylvania presented its inaugural Constitutional Champion Award to Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes on Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend at "We the Community: An Evening of Freedom & Justice" on January 17, 2026.
Leaders who were honored made historic strides toward indigent defense reform. Governor Josh Shapiro, recognized but unable to attend, established indigent defense as a priority in his first budget, securing $7.5 million—the state's first-ever direct investment. While Hughes led the passage of legislation that established the Indigent Defense Advisory Committee, Pennsylvania's first-ever oversight and state-funding body for indigent defense.
“I’m honored to be receiving the ACLU-PA Constitutional Champion Award,” said Senator Vincent Hughes. “Our constitution is the bedrock of our democracy and the rule of law in this country. I will never stop fighting to ensure hard-earned civil liberties, justice, and equal rights are upheld to the highest degree in Pennsylvania and across the country. We have proven that great things can be achieved when we work together to do what is right, fight for dignity, and never give up on the idea of a more perfect union. I’m proud to stand with the ACLU-PA in that endeavor,” said State Senator Vincent Hughes, who was present to accept his award.
The celebration brought together advocates and elected officials, including State Senator Nikil Saval, Councilmember Rue Landau, and Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon. The event was generously donated by Jeffrey A. Miller Hospitality Group and the greater Philadelphia hospitality community, with performances by Philadelphia Eagles DJ Diamond Kuts, SNACKTIME, and Mic'd Up Allstars.
"Each champion that takes the stage didn't act alone," said ACLU-PA Executive Director Mike Lee. "They were aided by community—they drew strength, knowledge, and courage to act from stories and voices of impacted individuals, from advocates, and from many of us who know just what democracy requires. We, the community, will continue to work with and push these leaders, knowing more accountability, coordination and state investment are needed to transform our indigent defense system into one that meets constitutional standards."
Photos of the event are available here, and details are here.
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