Last night, the Rockefeller Foundation hosted the inaugural Heroes of Democracy Awards, honoring inspiring activists strengthening democratic values across the country.
The award, presented by voting rights organizations I Am a Voter and HeadCount in partnership with the foundation and MSNBC’s Morning Joe, honors leaders in the voting rights movement who demonstrate their resilience and determination.
The evening began with a cocktail reception for the activist award winners, where they met and learned more about each other’s shared goals. Winners included voting organizations Battleground Texas, Gen-Z for Change and Protect the Vote GA, as well as organizations dedicated to civic engagement including Public Schools First NC, The Conversationalists and Project Ready.
I’m a Voter co-founder Mandana Dayani kicked off the evening with the story of how the award came about. Hosts Jessica Alba and Ariana DeBose then delivered warm and reverent speeches to the attendees.
“Our heroes come from different walks of life, represent different causes and face different challenges, and at this moment we are reminded that democracy is not just a system of government, but a system of participation and an ongoing process,” Alba said.
At the awards ceremony, the group was honored to receive awards from Huma Abedin and Simone Sanders Townsend, Busy Philipps and Michaela · Speeches prepared by major political figures and Hollywood talent such as Michaela J. Rodriguez.
“Each of us is a piece of the puzzle of our union, and this union will only be more perfect when all of us are heard,” Rodriguez said.
In between the speeches, an announcement was made that surprised the winners. President Joe Biden offered warm congratulations to the inaugural class of Democracy Heroes and distributed a signed thank you letter to the guests in attendance.
“Each of you has not only preserved and protected our democracy, but has strengthened it for generations to come,” he wrote.
The evening was filled with optimism and urgency, a reminder that protecting democracy requires sustained efforts from all corners of society, starting with our heroes down to ordinary Americans. Their efforts to expand the franchise sent a powerful message: the event was more than just a celebration, but a compelling call to action. NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 27: (L-R) Ariana DeBose and Jessica Alba attend the Rockefeller Foundation’s 2024 Heroes of Democracy event on September 27, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Mendez/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 27: Busy Phillips attends the Rockefeller Foundation’s 2024 Heroes of Democracy event on September 27, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 27: (L-R) Debra Messing and Christian Siriano attend the Rockefeller Foundation’s 2024 Heroes of Democracy event on September 27, 2024 in New York. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 27: Chloë Grace Moretz attends the 2024 Rockefeller Foundation Annual Conference in New York City Democracy Heroes Activities on September 27, 2024. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 27: Julian Hough (Photo by Jason Mendes/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 27: Stacey Bendet attends the Rockefeller Foundation’s 2024 Heroes of Democracy event on September 27, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Mendez/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 27: Chelsea Miller attends the Rockefeller Foundation’s 2024 Heroes of Democracy in New York City activity on September 27, 2024. (Photo by Jason Mendez/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 27: Claire Simon attends the Rockefeller Foundation’s 2024 Heroes of Democracy event in New York City on September 27, 2024. (Photo by Jason Mendez/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 27: Shanelle McCloud attends the Rockefeller Foundation’s 2024 Heroes of Democracy event in New York City on September 27, 2024. (Photo by Jason Mendez/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 27: Sophie Byrne attends the Rockefeller Foundation’s 2024 Heroes of Democracy event in New York City on September 27, 2024. (Photo by Jason Mendez/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 27: Table setting at the 2024 Heroes of Democracy conference at the Rockefeller Foundation in New York City on September 27, 2024. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 27: (L-R) Simon Sanders Townsend and Huma Abedin speak at the 2024 Heroes of Democracy conference at the Rockefeller Foundation in New York City on September 27, 2024. (Photo by Jason Mendez/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 27: Michaela J. Rodriguez at the Rockefeller Foundation 2024 Heroes of Democracy event on September 27, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Mendes/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 27: Mandana Dayani speaks at the 2024 Rockefeller Foundation Heroes of Democracy Conference in New York City on September 27, 2020. (Photo by Jason Mendes/Getty Images)
