AJC cartoonist wins award for advancing ‘values of American democracy’

Mike Luckovich, editorial cartoonist for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution since 1989, can add another award to his resume.

Luckovich is one of three cartoonist to receive the 2018 Advancing American Democracy Award, which is given to those who advance “the values of American democracy by encouraging citizen participation in self-government and in greater civic society,” according to the organization.

Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Michael Ramirez, and Robert F. Kennedy Excellence in Journalism award winner Gary Varvel also won the award.

Luckovich, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist who many love (or love to hate), has published three books of his cartoons: "Lotsa Luckovich," "Four More Wars!" and the recently-released "A Very Stable Genius." He's a 1982 graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in political science.

The winning cartoonists are "immediately recognizable ... for their distinctive artistry and pointed commentary," said Andrea Neal, board chair of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, which presents the award annually. "These talented gentlemen, representing all sides of the political spectrum, teach us that humor can go a long way in overcoming the polarization that has marked our country's recent political debates."

The winners will personally accept the awards later this month in Indiana.