Tony and Grammy Award–winning actor, writer, and musician will headline Cincinnati’s premier celebration of courage, compassion, and moral leadership
Contact:
Kara Driscoll, Director of Strategic External Engagement,
[email protected] | 513-638-0508
CINCINNATI, OH — The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center is proud to announce acclaimed actor, writer, producer, and musician Daveed Diggs as the Celebrity Speaker for the 2026 Upstander Awards, Cincinnati’s premier celebration of moral courage and community impact.
Best known for originating the dual roles of Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking Broadway phenomenon Hamilton, Diggs is a Tony, Grammy, and Lucille Lortel Award–winning artist whose work spans theater, film, television, and music. His performance in Hamilton helped propel the musical into a cultural phenomenon, earning a record-setting 16 Tony nominations, a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, and acclaim from audiences that included President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Tom Hanks, Paul McCartney, Anna Wintour, Robert De Niro, Jerry Seinfeld, and the Clinton family.
“Daveed Diggs is an artist whose work consistently challenges audiences to think deeply about identity, justice, history, and humanity,” said Jackie Congedo, CEO of the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center. “His voice, creativity, and commitment to storytelling make him an extraordinary addition to this year’s Upstander Awards as we celebrate individuals who use courage and compassion to create change.”
Following Hamilton, Diggs co-wrote and starred in the critically acclaimed film Blindspotting, a powerful exploration of race, friendship, and systemic injustice. He has since built a dynamic career across film, television, and animation, with standout roles in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Pixar’s Soul, Snowpiercer, Wonder alongside Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson, and numerous acclaimed television and voice performances.
Diggs has also been open about his identity as a Black and Jewish artist. Born in Oakland, California, to a Jewish mother and an African American father, he was raised in the Jewish tradition, attended Hebrew school, and has spoken frequently about the importance of embracing the fullness of his heritage. Through both his work and public voice, Diggs has explored themes of belonging, representation, and identity, bringing visibility to the experiences of Black Jewish communities. He even brought his signature creativity to Jewish culture with the widely celebrated Hanukkah song “Puppy for Hanukkah.”
The 2026 Upstander Awards will take place on June 14, 2026, at Union Terminal and will honor individuals who demonstrate the power of standing up for others through courage, compassion, and action. The annual event brings together civic leaders, changemakers, educators, artists, and national voices for an inspiring evening celebrating those creating meaningful impact in their communities. Guests will experience a dynamic night featuring live entertainment, immersive activations, music, dancing, and the announcement of seven Upstander Award winners selected from nearly 350 nominations. Register today.
About the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center
The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center exists to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust inspire action today. Located at Cincinnati’s historic Union Terminal, HHC impacts more than 2.5 million people every year through digital and in-person events, museum tours, educational experiences, social media and virtual content. From Australia to India, individuals from more than 25 countries and 30 states engage with our mission. For more information, visit. www.holocaustandhumanity.org.
