The Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) is delighted to announce the recipients and speakers for the upcoming Julian L. Simon Memorial Award Dinner, scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 19 at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. This year’s event holds particular significance as it marks CEI’s 40th anniversary.
The recipient of the 2024 Julian L. Simon Memorial Award is Magatte Wade, an entrepreneur, author, and advocate dedicated to fostering prosperity in Africa through entrepreneurship and innovation. A native of Senegal, Wade is the co-founder of Prospera Africa and the author of the book “The Heart of A Cheetah: How We Have Been Lied to about African Poverty, and What That Means for Human Flourishing” (2023). Her influential work aligns with Julian Simon’s belief in humanity as the ultimate resource.
In addition to this esteemed recognition, CEI will also bestow the Prometheus Award for Human Achievement upon George F. Will, a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist renowned for his insightful commentary on politics and domestic and foreign affairs in the Washington Post. Mr. Will will deliver the keynote address at the dinner, and his lifelong contributions to intellectual, political, and civic life will be honoured through this distinguished award.
Kent Lassman, President and CEO of CEI, expressed his admiration for the awardees, stating, “We are pleased to honour two individuals who have made invaluable contributions to humanity. Magatte Wade amplifies the voices of entrepreneurs worldwide who are underserved by state institutions. She passionately advocates for Africans, Senegalese women, and anyone willing to take a chance to enhance the lives of others through free enterprise.” He also highlighted Mr. Will’s impact, describing him as a “civic, intellectual, and political titan of our age.”
This year’s event will also celebrate the theme “Prometheus: Rebel for Humanity,” paying homage to the titan who stole fire from the gods to bestow knowledge, progress, technology, empathy, and civil society upon humankind.
The Julian L. Simon Memorial Award Dinner promises to be an unforgettable evening honouring outstanding individuals who have devoted their lives to making a positive impact in the world. We eagerly anticipate celebrating the remarkable achievements of Magatte Wade and George F. Will, as well as the accomplishments of the Competitive Enterprise Institute over the past 40 years.