The “Black Diamond of Freedom" is an honorary distinction awarded by the Silesian Centre for Freedom and Solidarity named after the Nine Miners of “Wujek" to individuals, institutions, and communities that have made outstanding contributions to preserving the memory of the events of 16 December 1981 at the “Wujek" coal mine, as well as of all victims and those persecuted during the period of martial law and communist rule in Poland.
Prize “Black Diamont of Freedom”
The name of the award refers to Silesian roots and the symbolism of coal – the “black diamond" – as well as to the strength, courage, and steadfastness of the nine miners from “Wujek": Józef Czekalski, Józef Giza, Joachim Gnida, Ryszard Gzik, Bogusław Kopczak, Andrzej Pełka, Jan Stawisiński, Zbigniew Wilk, and Zenon Zając, who gave their lives defending solidarity and human dignity.
The award is presented for activities distinguished by reliability, high substantive quality, and respect for historical truth – whether in the scientific, artistic, educational, or social sphere. It may be received by an individual, a non-governmental organization, a cultural institution, or a local government unit.
Laureates receive a bronze statuette and a commemorative diploma, and the award ceremony takes place at the Silesian Centre for Freedom and Solidarity in Katowice – a place that commemorates the miners’ sacrifice and reminds us that freedom is never guaranteed forever.
