Historic New Orleans Collection awarded John Thompson Award for Courage & Justice

Written By Alicia Vial

Presented by Innocence & Justice Louisiana for confronting historical roots of mass incarceration in Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS — At the Innocence & Justice Louisiana’s 24th annual “Oh, Freedom!” Gala this past Saturday evening, the nonprofit, formerly known as the Innocence Project New Orleans, recognized the Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) with the 2025 John Thompson Award for Courage & Justice. The award recognized the institution for its work on the exhibition “Captive State: Louisiana and the Making of Mass Incarceration” that ran from July 19, 2024, through Feb. 16, 2025.  

Named for John Thompson—a New Orleans native who was wrongfully convicted and spent 18 years in prison before becoming a national advocate for justice reform—the award celebrates individuals and institutions who show extraordinary courage in confronting injustice.

The “Captive State” exhibition brought to light to more than 25,000 visitors the irrefutable historical link between the institutions of slavery and mass incarceration in Louisiana. The stories and historical artifacts charted Louisiana’s transformation over three centuries from a colonial slave society to the incarceration capital of the world.

“Innocence & Justice Louisiana is pleased to recognize the Historic New Orleans Collection, President and CEO Daniel Hammer, the curatorial team and all other individuals and organizations who made this powerful exhibition dedicated to truth and accuracy possible through their hard work and commitment,” said Innocence & Justice Louisiana Events and Development Manager, Erica Williams.   

“We are deeply honored by this recognition from Innocence & Justice Louisiana,” said Hammer. “Captive State was the result of years of collaboration and research, and we hope it continues to spark dialogue and reflection on the systems that shape our society.”

The unforgettable exhibition will continue to educate the public about mass incarceration in Louisiana through the publication entitled “Captive State” which is currently available for preorder at shophnoc.com. The book is available starting Oct. 1.

For more information about Innocence & Justice Louisiana, visit justicelouisiana.org.

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About the Historic New Orleans Collection:
The Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) is a nonprofit institution dedicated to preserving the distinctive history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. Founded in 1966 through the Kemper and Leila Williams Foundation, HNOC operates as a free museum, research center and publisher spanning more than 14 historic buildings in the heart of the French Quarter. For more information visit hnoc.org.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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