The Rockefeller Foundation was humming last night with the first Democracy Heroes Awards, an effort aimed to celebrate a number of remarkable advocates enhancing democratic principles throughout the country.
Put on by groups advocating voting rights, I am a voter. HeadCount, in association with the foundation and Morning Joe on MSNBC, honed the spirit of resiliency and tenacity of individuals leading the voting rights campaign while honoring their leadership.
The evening began with a cocktail hour for the activist honorees to socialize and get to know one another better about their common interests. Along with organizations dedicated to civic involvement, including Public Schools First NC, The Conversationalist, and Project Ready, recipients included voting groups Battleground Texas, Gen-Z For Change, and Protect The Vote GA.
I count as a voter. Mandana Dayani, co-founder, started the event with the history of the awards. Then, hostesses Jessica Alba and Ariana DeBose talked kindly and with respect for the assembled guests.
“Our heroes represent different causes, come from many walks of life, 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,” Alba said.
From Huma Abedin and Symone Sanders Townsend to Busy Phillips and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, the group was honored with presentations crafted by a masterclass of political greatness and Hollywood talent throughout the length of the event.
“Every single one of us creates a piece of the puzzle of our union; only when we are all heard will that union become more perfect,” Rodriguez stated.
A surprising announcement made between remarks caught the honorees off guard. Along with a handwritten note of thanks handed to attendees at their seats, President Biden passed along his hearty congrats to the first class of Democracy Heroes.”Every one of you has not only preserved and defended our democracy—you have also strengthened it for generations to come,” he said in writing. The letter met enthusiastic discussion and a happy surprise.
Inspired by both hope and urgency, the evening reminded me that protecting democracy calls for ongoing work from all spheres of life, beginning with the Democracy Heroes and working through ordinary Americans. Their attempts to extend voting rights sent a strong message: the gathering was a call to action rather than only a celebration.
