Erika Kirk is the first recipient of the award, which honors individuals who champion her late husband’s values of freedom of speech, faith and family. Since his death, Kirk has worked to carry on her late husband’s mission, leading the group he started over a decade ago. She recalled one of his favorite sayings. “It’s not how I’m saying it that’s upsetting people. It’s the fact that I’m saying the truth that’s upsetting people,'” she said. Charlie Kirk was assassinated Sept. 10 on the campus of Utah Valley University. He is survived by two young children and would have celebrated his 32nd birthday in October.
Sam Busa