Photographer Annie Leibowitz, left, accepting the Dorothea Lange Living Legacy Award from Joan Wages, NWHM president.
WASHINGTON — The de Pizan Honors Gala Wednesday night honored an array of talent in the arts, poet Maya Angelou, photographer Annie Leibovitz, former Sen. Elizabeth Dole and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Rhodes.
The four received the 2012 National Women’s History Museum’s Living Legacy Awards, which were established last year to celebrate the achievements of pioneering women.
“Annie Leibovitz, Dr. Maya Angelou, Elizabeth Dole and Richard Rhodes are leaders who represent the best in their respective areas in today’s world,” said Joan Bradley Wages, CEO and president of the National Women’s History Museum in a ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Building.
She introduced comedy duo Frangela, who hosted the evening. The best friends met at Chicago’s famed comedy club, the Second City and have been featured in films such as “He’s Just Not That Into You,” and have also appeared on Oprah Winfrey’s television show. Their wit and sassy comedy kept the audience chuckling throughout the evening.
Actress Meryl Streep, who was honored at last year’s gala, narrated a video that provided the audience with some background on the museum and illustrated various achievements of women from past and present.
Acclaimed writer Richard Rhodes received the Henry Blackwell Living Legend Award for his writing on influential women, such as Hedy Lamarr, who was the subject of his recent book “Hedy’s Folly, The Life and Breakthrough Invention of Hedy Lamarr.”
Former Sen. Elizabeth Dole received the Clara Barton Living Legacy Award for her lifelong dedication to public service. As the first female president of the American Red Cross since founder Clara Barton, Dole paved the way for humanitarian efforts throughout the world. A standing ovation greeted Dole as she accepted the award.
“My wish tonight is that American women will continue to make history by keeping the faith in something better,” said Dole.
Legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz received the Dorothea Lange Living Legacy Award, named after the influential photojournalist known for her iconic photography from the Great Depression. The award honored Leibovitz’s accomplishments in photography.
And finally, in a taped video statement, writer Maya Angelou accepted the Gwendolyn Brooks Living Legacy Award via video. Her numerous accomplishments and contributions to society were recognized on behalf of her cousin, who accepted her award in person.
“It is with great pride and humility that I accept the Gwendolyn Brooks Living Legacy Award,” said Angelou. “It is my hope that my life and work will continue to be an inspiration to women today and tomorrow.”
Frangela closed out the evening reemphasizing the need for a national women’s history museum. The National Women’s History Museum, founded in 1996, has yet to see a museum established. But legislation is currently under way to purchase federally owned land to build the museum.