It was a day of tears and joy for the men of Central Park 5.
When They See Us was honored at the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California luncheon. The eye-opening series was presented with the ACLU Courage Award by actor Michael B. Jordan. Though, Director Ava DuVernay wasn't in attendance to accept the honor, the men whose story she capture were.
Yusef Salaam, Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Raymond Santana, and Korey Wise took on praise and emotion from the Fruitvale Station actor. Not just because they share putting a controversial biography into art, but simply just by being a black man.
"It's dangerous in America when you're living in a black body."
Jordan recognized them for their consistent perseverance and courage before Yusef handled the acceptance on Ava's behalf.
Salaam cried as he described their wrongful conviction as "an egregious miscarriage of justice." He went on to say how "humbled" they are by the honor before Raymond reclaimed their vow to give back to the youth in order to avoid another Central Park 5.
Photo: Getty