Jewish Community Relations Council
Robert H. Friebert Social Justice Award
Honoring courageous leadership and justice.
Overview
The Robert H. Friebert Social Justice Award recognizes individuals who exemplify courage, passion, and leadership in the pursuit of social justice in the greater Milwaukee area. Established by Friebert’s family and friends, the award continues Bob Friebert’s legacy as a fierce advocate for equality, civil rights, and the Jewish value of tikkun olam, repairing the world through action.
Presented annually by the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, the award honors individuals whose professional and personal efforts work to eliminate discrimination and injustice. Recipients need not be Jewish, reflecting Friebert’s belief in broad, inclusive advocacy for human dignity and equal rights.
Criteria
Eligibility
Nominees may be individuals from any background and need not be Jewish. The award recognizes those whose work advances social justice and addresses discrimination or injustice in the greater Milwaukee area.
Leadership and Courage
A sustained commitment to advancing social justice and addressing discrimination or systemic inequities.
Impact and Dedication
Meaningful professional and or personal contributions that create positive change in the greater Milwaukee community.
Values Driven Advocacy
Compassion, integrity, and a commitment to justice that reflects the spirit of Robert H. Friebert’s legacy.
Previous Award Recipients
* Of Blessed Memory
2015 – 2019
- 2015 – James H. Hall*
- 2016 – Danae Davis
- 2017 – José Olivieri*
- 2018 – Reggie Jackson
- 2018 – Fran Kaplan
- 2019 – Pardeep Singh Kaleka
- 2019 – Arno Michaelis
2020 – 2025
- 2020 – Anita Johnson
- 2022 – Judge Derek Mosley
- 2025 – Darryl D. Morin
Nominations are now closed
Nominations for the Robert H. Friebert Social Justice Award are now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination. Please check back for future opportunities.
Donations
Support this important award
Donations to the fund can be made online or sent to:
Mitch Moser, Executive Director
Jewish Community Foundation
1360 N. Prospect Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53202.
Checks should be made payable to the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, Inc. Please write “Friebert Social Justice Award Fund” in the memo line.
If you have questions about contributions to the fund, please contact Executive Director Mitch Moser at 414-390-5718.
About Robert H. Friebert
Bob Friebert (1938-2013) dedicated himself to the pursuit of social justice and the Jewish value of tikkun olam (repairing the world). A graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School, Friebert was a founding partner of the law firm Friebert, Finerty and St. John S.C.
He argued four cases in the United States Supreme Court, addressing the rights of teachers to organize, due process for federal youthful offenders, reproductive rights of women and the rights of people to vote in primary elections. He served as the first public defender for the State of Wisconsin from 1966-1968.
Friebert became active in local, state and national Democratic politics in his pursuit of social justice. He served several terms on the Democratic National Committee, as an advisor and consultant to numerous Democratic presidential candidates and was the lead counsel on the election recount that awarded the First District Congressional seat to the late Congressman and Secretary of Defense Les Aspin. Friebert enjoyed political debate and was respected for his strongly held views by Republicans and Democrats alike.
In addition to his legal and political work, Friebert was active in organizations that held special meaning for him. He served as president of Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun, founding chair of the Wisconsin Jewish Conference, president of the Milwaukee Jewish Council for Community Relations, state chairman of the Wisconsin Civil Liberties Union, special counsel to the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents, trustee to the Medical College of Wisconsin and in various capacities on numerous other boards and commissions.
Friebert’s greatest commitment was to his family, including his wife, Susan, his children, and his grandchildren.
Connect
Roberta has worked as a Jewish educator and communal professional in Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, and New Jersey.
Throughout her career, she has developed and implemented interfaith security conferences; has trained thousands of law enforcement professionals on issues and incidents related to hate groups, extremism and terrorism; worked with dozens of educational institutions and school districts to successfully negotiate church/state issues and to provide trainings in the areas of bullying and cyber bullying; and provided guidance and assistance to community members who believe they have been the victims of discrimination and/or hate crimes.
Ms. Clark is a recipient of the 2013 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award and the 2015 “Chai Award” from the URJ Greene Family Camp. She graduated from the University of Houston with a B.A. in Political Science and holds dual M.A. degrees in Jewish Education and Jewish Studies from Gratz College in Melrose Park, PA.
Kai is a community leader, advocate, and bridge-builder whose work spans Jewish communal life, public health advocacy, and legal services. She serves as JCRC Director of Advocacy and Alliances where she builds bridges and strengthens dialogue and engagement between Jewish and non-Jewish communities.
Kai holds a BA in Political Science from Boston University with graduate studies in Public Health. A seasoned advocate for vulnerable communities, she has developed and secured significant philanthropic investment for initiatives advancing disability rights, cultural identity, refugee entrepreneurship, and intercultural collaboration. She is a graduate of Selah’s JOC Cohort, the Jewish Women of Color Resilience Circle, the Leading Edge Executive Leadership Program, and The Elluminate Collective, and has participated in Project Shema’s Black Jewish Cohort, Wisconsin 14 of the Builders Movement Project, and the Zioness Zahav Cohort. She also serves on the HOME Committee at the Lynden Sculpture Garden. Her leadership has been recognized by the NCJW Building Bridges Award, Milwaukee Rep’s Shero Award, and the Woman of Faith Award.
