The Rockefeller Foundation buzzed with excitement as it hosted the inaugural Democracy Heroes Awards, a celebration of inspirational activists working tirelessly to strengthen democratic values across the nation. This event, a collaboration between voting rights organizations ‘I am a voter.’ and HeadCount, along with the Rockefeller Foundation and MSNBC’s ‘Morning Joe,’ aimed to highlight the unwavering spirit of individuals at the forefront of the voting rights movement.
The evening began with a cocktail hour, providing a platform for the activist awardees to connect and share insights into their shared goals. The diverse group of honorees included voting groups like Battleground Texas, Gen-Z For Change, and Protect The Vote GA, as well as organizations dedicated to civic engagement, such as Public Schools First NC, The Conversationalist, and Project Ready.
Mandana Dayani, co-founder of ‘I am a voter.’, set the stage with a compelling account of the awards’ inception. The audience was then warmly welcomed by hosts Jessica Alba and Ariana DeBose, who eloquently acknowledged the significance of the awardees’ contributions. Alba shared, “Our heroes come from different walks of life, represent diverse causes, and tackle various challenges in a time when we’re reminded that democracy isn’t just a system of government, but an ongoing practice of engagement.”
The celebration continued with powerful speeches from a diverse group of prominent figures, including Huma Abedin, Symone Sanders Townsend, Busy Phillips, and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez. Their words resonated with the shared sentiment that safeguarding democracy is a collective responsibility. Rodriguez aptly stated, “Every single one of us makes up a piece of the puzzle of our union, and only when we are all heard can that union become more perfect.”
Adding an unexpected twist to the evening, a surprise announcement arrived that brought joy and inspiration to the honorees. President Joe Biden had sent a heartfelt message of congratulations to the inaugural class of Democracy Heroes, accompanied by a signed letter of gratitude distributed to guests. In his letter, President Biden expressed his profound appreciation for their commitment, stating, “Each one of you has not only preserved and defended our democracy–you have also strengthened it for generations to come.” The letter sparked lively conversations and a sense of shared accomplishment among the attendees.
The Democracy Heroes Awards, filled with both optimism and a sense of urgency, served as a powerful reminder that safeguarding democracy requires constant effort from all corners of society. The event was not just a celebration but a call to action, emphasizing the crucial role played by these dedicated individuals in expanding voting rights. Their efforts resonated with a powerful message: democracy is not merely a system of government; it is an ongoing practice of engagement that requires the collective commitment of every citizen.
