Last night, The Rockefeller Foundation was abuzz with the inaugural Democracy Heroes Awards, an initiative meant to highlight a series of inspirational activists strengthening democratic values across the nation.
Put on by voting rights organizations I am a voter. and HeadCount in collaboration with the foundation and Morning Joe on MSNBC, the awards honored those at the forefront of the voting rights movement, while showcasing their spirit of resilience and determination.
The evening kicked off with a cocktail hour for the activist awardees to mingle and learn more about each other’s shared goals. Recipients represented voting groups Battleground Texas, Gen-Z For Change, and Protect The Vote GA, as well as entities committed to civic engagement, including Public Schools First NC, The Conversationalist, and Project Ready.
I am a voter. co-founder Mandana Dayani kicked off the evening with the awards’ inception story. Next, hosts Jessica Alba and Ariana DeBose spoke warmly and with reverence for the gathered attendees.
“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,” Alba shared.
Throughout the course of the celebration, the group was acknowledged with speeches prepared by a masterclass of political excellence and Hollywood talent, ranging from Huma Abedin and Symone Sanders Townsend, to Busy Phillips and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez.
“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,” Rodriguez said.
Between speeches, a surprise announcement was made that caught the awardees by surprise. President Joe Biden had sent along his warm congratulations to the inaugural class of Democracy Heroes with a signed letter of gratitude distributed to guests at their seats.
“Each one of you has not only preserved and defended our democracy–you have also strengthened it for generations to come,” he explained in writing. The letter was greeted with excited conversation and joyful surprise.
The evening, infused with both optimism and urgency, served as a reminder that safeguarding democracy requires continuous effort from all corners of society, starting with the Democracy Heroes and ending with everyday Americans. Their efforts to expand voting rights carried a powerful message: the event wasn’t merely a celebration—but a compelling call to action.