"[2] The name of the foundation derives from a famous incident on May 15, 1923 when writer Upton Sinclair spoke to approximately 3,000 striking longshoremen at Liberty Hill in San Pedro, Los Angeles, California.
In a piece of street theater designed to highlight ongoing suppression of freedom of speech by the LAPD, Sinclair began his address by reading the Bill of Rights.
[1] The foundation presents an annual award in the name of activist and writer Upton Sinclair to "a person of unwavering idealism and vision, whose work illustrates an abiding commitment to social justice and equality."
In addition, Liberty Hill presents its Founders Award to individuals who embody the spirit of change, not charity, with the belief that real progress happens in communities.
[4] It has also provided funding for out-of-state organizations such as the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law.