THE TAHIRIH AWARD
The TAHIRIH AWARD is bestowed by The Tahirih Association to outstanding individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service improving the status of women or improving human rights in the world. The Award is named after Tahirih (circa 1815-1852), one of the earliest women in the struggle for human rights and equality.

This 19th-century trailblazer and transformational leader promoted the equality of women and men; called for the elimination of racism; the common unity and oneness of all religions; the essential harmony of science and religion; and other principles directed towards world unity. Tahirih's call for equal rights was part of a broader proclamation of new spiritual teachings urging peace and social justice. Admired for her beauty, poetry and brilliance, Tahirih was a scholar of law and theology before she was 12 years old. The name, Tahirih, is a Persian title which means The Pure One. Feared by dogmatic religious leaders, she was executed at age 36 for her beliefs.

 
 
The TAHIRIH AWARD is typically given during National Women's History Month in the United States (March). The TAHIRIH AWARD has been especially created by Ron Taybi, noted structural artist whose 25-foot high sculpture entitled Tahirih inspired his elegant design of the TAHIRIH AWARD, which is based on his magnificent work of art. The sculpture "Tahirih" was installated at the Laguna Beach Gardens, located in Laguna Beach, California.


TAHIRIH AWARD Recipients:
 
Dr. Diane Watson, U. S. Ambassador To The Federated States Of Micronesia
  Prior to her appointment, Dr. Watson, a California State Senator, represented one of the largest districts in California. Among the most significant women in U.S. politics, she was the first African-American woman elected to the California State Senate in 1978. As a leading advocate for children's issues, a champion of civil rights, the disabled and the disenfranchised, Dr. Watson pioneered legislation on domestic violence, hate crimes, rape, child care, health research, medical ethics and access to health care.
Amy Biehl Foundation, Linda Biehl and Peter Biehl, Founders
  The parents of Amy Biehl, the slain Fulbright scholar who was murdered in South Africa in 1993 while preparing citizens for the first-ever democratic elections of that nation, have been described by South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu as "exemplifying divine grace." This family's forgiveness toward the killers of their daughter has been documented on news media around the world. Linda and Peter Biehl are building houses, establishing bakeries, sponsoring anti-violence programs and improving literacy in the Township where Amy was killed. They are still doing Amy's work six years after her death, and say they are dedicated to carrying forward their daughter's spirit
Joan Van Ark, Actress/Producer
  Known for her long-running role as Valene Ewing on Dallas and Knots Landing, Ms. Van Ark is also a compassionate activist for issues that affect women and those in need. She produced and directed several movies for television, that examine homelessness and domestic violence.
Dr. Neal Baer, Producer/Writer, Law & Order and ER, Television's Mega-Hit Series
  As a driving force behind ER, Dr. Baer has been nominated for numerous EMMY Awards and Writer's Guild Awards for his powerful and intelligently written scripts. His lifelong dedication to youth and their medical issues, especially relating to AIDS, drug and alcohol abuse, and teen pregnancy has earned him the position of a top authority on America's fastest growing epidemics affecting adolescent female populations.
Erin Gray, Actress & Humanitarian
  Starring in the hit television series "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century" Erin Gray became was the first science fiction woman to achieve the status of Colonel. Playing a character that combined beauty with brains, she became a role model for women throughout the world. She continued this powerful image during five years on the hit NBC series "Silver Spoons" representing the American image of the first sitcom woman having it all - marriage, family and career as a mother and corporate CEO. These roles made a huge impact on a generation of women, and Erin Gray continues to do this as she speaks out against domestic violence for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and for Mothers Against Sexual Abuse. The recipient of seven community service awards, Erin Gray has spent her life giving back to society, sharing her awareness, and making responsible use of her powerful media presence.
Lucky Altman, National Conference for Community & Justice
  As Regional Program Director Lucky works with the University of Southern California, the Interreligious Council of Southern California, the Justice Advisory Committee, the National Conference of Christians and Jews, and with the Martyrs Memorial Museum of the Holocaust Lucky Altman has consistently provided Los Angeles with programs that promote inclusion and respect for all people in the public and private sectors. Her programs have immeasurable impact on those trained to improve human relations through their leadership positions. Whether as an author, negotiator, conflict resolution specialist, mediator, trainer, facilitator, a humanitarian, a woman, a wife and a mother, Lucky Altman is an example of the spirit of Tahirih
Dr. Xylina Bean, Chief of Neonatology at King/Drew Medical Center
  As Director of the High Risk Infant Follow-up Services, Dr. Bean is also CEO of SHIELDS, a social service agency founded in 1991 to serve the needs of families impacted by drug usage during pregnancy. SHIELDS provides drug treatment for pregnant women, and as well as offering drug courts in Compton and Lynwood, California which serves several housing projects. Under Dr. Bean's leadership, SHIELDS has expanded its services to include child care, housing for the homeless, mental health services, after-school programs, and at risk youth programs. SHIELDS serves over 500 families and more than 7,000 children. Dr. Bean also serves as a volunteer medical director and board member of the Wilmington Community Clinic, which she co-founded 27 years ago. The clinic provides free and low-cost health care for low-income, predominately immigrant populations
 
Previous Award shows and performances of A Woman And Her Words have benefited the following charitable organizations:
Haven House Family Shelter, Pasadena, California
Los Angeles House Of Ruth, Los Angeles, California
Sojourn Services For Battered Women & Children, Santa Monica, California
Theater Of Hope For Abused Women, North Hollywood, California
Hale Laulima Family House, Oakland, California
Children's Art Program, Baltimore, Maryland