Our current Courage in Editorial Cartooning Award laureate is only the seventh cartoonist selected in the eight decade history of Columia University’s prestigious Maria Moors Cabot Prizes.
We are delighted to learn that the Trustees of Columbia University, NY have decided to recognise a cartoonist in this year’s quartet of gold medal winners and gratified that they have chosen the same individual we deemed most worthy of plaudits in 2018.
“Today, in the face of hardline governments everywhere fomenting an increasingly hostile environment for journalism and satire, Molina uses his pen and wit to take aim not only at the repressive government of President Daniel Ortega, but also at human rights abuses throughout the Americas and the world. He places the Nicaraguan situation—often without words—in the context of global trends. His cartoons—exquisitely drawn and equally forceful—translate complicated situations for readers in Nicaragua and beyond. His vision effectively demonstrates the power of satire and cartooning as a way of furthering Inter-American understanding.”
Maria Moors Cabot Prize panel, Columbia Journalism School
The Maria Moors Cabot Prizes are the oldest international journalism awards in the world. Pedro will now join such legendary Latin American cartoonists as Hermenegildo Sábat, Juan Carlos Colombres and Antonio Arias Bernal among their roll of honour.
“I thank God, my family (who are many more than those who share my blood), my colleagues from the independent Nicaraguan media, especially CONFIDENCIAL who, despite censorship and persecution, continue to do quality journalism wherever they are and with what they have at hand. You are all a constant inspiration for this servant.”
Pedro X. Molina
Pedro’s former employers, the Confidencial news company, have an extensive article covering his latest victory on their website. Readers will recall the series of police raids there in the latter part of 2018.
Deliberations for the CRNI Courage in Editorial Cartooning Award are underway; this year’s recipient will be announced in the fall.
