The Texas Civil Rights Project has awarded The Texas Observer the 2007 "Molly Ivins 'Give'em Hell'" award for the magazine's reporting on political and civil rights issues.

Austin, Texas; November 3, 2007 — The Texas Civil Rights Project has named The Texas Observer this year’s recipient of the Molly Ivins “Give ‘Em Hell” Award.

The work of The Texas Observer can be viewed at www.texasobserver.org. The news release from The Texas Civil Rights Project states:

Historically the Observer has written about issues ignored or underreported in the mainstream press. It covers stories crucial to the public interest and provokes dialog that promotes democratic participation and open government, in pursuit of a vision of Texas where education, justice, and material progress are available to all.

Every two weeks, The Texas Observer, in its own words, “provides a view of Texas found nowhere else — sharp reporting and commentary from the strangest state in the union!”

The award will be presented by Pulitzer Prize winning political cartoonist Ben Sargent at TCRP 17th Annual Bill of Rights Dinner on Saturday, November 3rd, 2007, at the UT Alumni Center. Reception at 6:30pm; and dinner 7:30pm.

This year’s keynote speaker is U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, a self-avowed socialist, elected to the Senate as an independent.

U.S. Congressman Charlie Gonzalez will present concerned TYC mother Genger Galloway with the Henry B. González Award, which honors her relentless effort to help change the conditions and treatment of children held in the Texas Youth Commission facilities.

The Pat Dobbs Civil Rights Student Leader Award will be presented to the winner of this year’s high school student competition.

The anniversary dinner honors the time, commitment and dedication of the civil rights community, as well as celebrates the Bill of Rights to the United States and Texas Constitutions. It helps TCRP raise funds to support its work for poor and low-income Texans.

The Texas Civil Rights Project (TCRP) promotes racial, social, and economic justice through education and litigation. TCRP strives to foster equality, secure justice, ensure diversity, and strengthen communities. TCRP has offices in El Paso, San Juan (in the Rio Grande Valley), Austin, and Odessa.

For sponsorships and tickets, please contact Susan Harry at 512-542-9744

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