2025 Champions of Democracy Program

…your “scrollable” program for the 2025 Champions of Democracy Celebration, — our 50th Annual Fundraising Event, held on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Nissi’s Entertainment & Event Venue in Lafayette, Colorado.

We want to thank all the attendees, as well as our sponsors, for their generosity!

YOUR SUPPORT helps us do the critical DEMOCRACY fortifying work that we do —
GOTV: the BCDP Voter Guide (printed and online), Vote Notes, voter education, with text outreach, materials for our precinct leaders, area coordinators, and our many volunteers, robust and action oriented communications to our large list of subscribers.

AND SO MUCH MORE: Resources and support for our amazing BCDP Teams and their projects, including KNOW YOUR RIGHTS training and awareness (from our Outreach & Inclusion Team), REGISTER RENTERS (from our Field Team). These projects come from dedicated, experienced COMMUNITY volunteers, and are all the more effective with YOUR SUPPORT.
THANK YOU!

Scroll down, and you’ll find the agenda, ads from stellar Democratic candidates and electeds, profiles of our 2025 Awardees, and more. 

Our amazing 50 year tradition continues… ENJOY!

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Tonight, we welcome
US REPRESENTATIVE, Maryland, CD8
Jamie Raskin

WE’RE SO EXCITED TO BE JOINED BY REP. RASKIN AT THIS CRUCIAL TIME IN OUR DEMOCRACY — He was the lead impeachment manager for the second impeachment of President Donald Trump in response to the attack on the U.S. Capitol in 2021, and in Congress has fought to protect abortion rights, prevent discrimination against LGBTQIA individuals, and maintain the separation of church and state. 

Prior to his election to Congress in 2016, Rep. Raskin served in the Maryland State Senate where he championed progressive policies like overturning the death penalty, instituting the National Popular Vote, and legalizing medical marijuana in Maryland. He also led the charge to pass same-sex marriage in Maryland.

Keeping with the Champions of Democracy event’s focus on honoring those that defend and advocate for our democracy, Rep. Raskin was a constitutional law professor at America University Washington College of Law and has a deep understanding of our government and constitution.

Four years ago, Rep. Neguse served as an impeachment manager with Rep. Raskin, and they were the leading voices in warning the country of the dangers that would follow if members of the Senate abdicated their constitutional duty by acquitting the president. The Senate didn’t heed their warning, and now we see the federal government under a second Trump term in utter chaos.

None better to face the challenges ahead, and we wholeheartedly support them in this fight!

The Boulder County Democratic Party welcomes Representative Raskin, as Keynote Speaker for the 50th Annual Champions of Democracy Celebration!

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the BCDP 50th ANNUAL FUNDRAISING CELEBRATION

— agenda: SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2025 —

5:00pm | doors open, mingle with friends

5:30 – 6:30pm | buffet

then it’s time to start the show!:

6:30pm | welcome

Emcees: Katie Malzbender, Emcee, Champions Fundraising Team Lead:

and
Jonathan Singer, Emcee, Paddle Master, former State House Rep., 2012–2021:

Message from the Chair:

Ben Cowan
Boulder County Democratic Party

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Recognition of Champions Team, Electeds and Candidates
Ann Stewart Zachwieja, BCDP Vice Chair Capacity:

Gratitude for our generous Sponsors
Katie Malzbender, Champions Fundraising Team Lead:

•••

6:45pm | PRESENTATION OF TONIGHT’S AWARDS

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2025 TOM MAYER AWARD FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE
presented by Ray Rodriguez to

Mardi Moore
ROCKY MOUNTAIN EQUALITY

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2025 JOSIE HEATH OUTSTANDING YOUNG DEMS AWARD
with introduction by Shannon Golden-Schubert,
BCDP Fundraising Team Lead:

Award presented by Josie Heath and Dalton Valette to

Fairview High School
and
Niwot High School
Students

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Presented by BCDP Chair, Ben Cowan to

Democratic Women of Boulder County

and

Longmont Area Democrats

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STAY TUNED: tonight’s Keynote, — REP. JAMIE RASKIN — after the Paddle Raise!

(Also after Paddle Raise — THANK YOU — please scroll down to read all about our stellar 2025 Champions of Democracy Awardees…they make us proud!)

• • •

7:00pm | PADDLE RAISE

with Special Guest, Emcee, and Paddle Master, 2012-2021 State Rep. for HD11,
Jonathan Singer

DONATE TO THE PADDLE RAISE:

• • •

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7:35pm | Introduction of TONIGHT’S KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Congressman Joe Neguse (CD2)

Introducing:

US Representative
Jamie Raskin, CD8, Maryland

• • •

Closing Remarks:
Katie Malzbender & Jonathan Singer

• • •

Keep scrolling down for more Champions content!
You’ll find a message from our BCDP Chair, ads from stellar Democratic reps and sponsors, profiles of our 2025 Awardees, a list of our generous sponsors — thank you! — and more.

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[twocolumns]Governor, Jared Polis
US Senator, Michael Bennet
US Senator, John Hickenlooper
US Representative, CD 2, Joe Neguse
Secretary of State, Jena Griswold
Attorney General, Phil Weiser
State Treasurer, Dave Young
Colorado Board of Education, At Large, Kathy Plomer
Colorado Board of Education, CD 2, Angelika Schroeder
CU Regent, CD 2, Callie Rennison
CU Regent, At Large, Elliott Hood
RTD Board of Directors, District O, Lynn Guissinger
SD15 State Senator, Janice Marchman
SD17 State Senator, Katie Wallace
SD18 State Senator, Judy Amabile
HD10 State Representative, Junie Joseph
HD11 State Representative, Karen McCormick
HD12 State Representative, Kyle Brown
HD49 State Representative, Lesley Smith
Boulder County District Attorney, Michael Dougherty
Boulder County Commissioner, Claire Levy
Boulder County Commissioner, Marta Loachamin
Boulder County Commissioner, Ashley Stolzmann
County Assessor, Cynthia Braddock
County Clerk and Recorder, Molly Fitzpatrick
County Coroner, Jeff Martin
County Sheriff, Curtis Johnson
County Surveyor, Lee Stadele
County Treasurer, Paul Weissmann [/twocolumns]

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message from the chair BEN COWAN

I became Chair four months ago today. Every day of those four months, I have been honored by the incredible dedication and talent of my fellow volunteers, who are working hard to meet this unique political moment.

Now is a time when our communities are under threat —systematically, from Washington, and as we saw a week ago, from senseless acts of violence at home. 

We are fortunate that here in Boulder County and in the great state of Colorado, Democracy rises to challenge. We elect Democrats who share our values and stand up for our freedoms. 

So we’re showing up in our communities stronger than ever, connecting the dots from those values we hold dear, to our politics that puts them into practice. We’re starting our Register Renters program early, with the first event in just a week. We’re already working with neighboring counties to help retake the 8th Congressional District. We’ve seen skyrocketing social media engagement, and we’re protecting immigrant communities by distributing Know Your Rights information. 

These are just a few of our activities to reach voters where they are, throughout the cycle, and it is all made possible by your support. So tonight, we come together as the ones rising to meet this moment. We’ll enjoy each other’s company, recognize our elected officials and special guests, and honor some amazing individuals and organizations. Now, this is a fundraising event, but that means we get to hear more from our own, incomparable, Jonathan Singer. And we’ll close out the night with one of the country’s foremost Champions of Democracy, our keynote speaker, Congressman Jamie Raskin!
— BEN COWAN, Chair of the Boulder County Democratic Party

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our 2025 champions award recipients

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THE TOM MAYER AWARD FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE is given each year in memory of former Boulder County Commissioner Tom Mayer, who was committed to health and human services, limiting growth, and preservation of open spaces. Senator Mark Udall once described Tom Mayer as a volunteer “with a big heart and never-ending compassion… timelessly fighting for the underprivileged . . . (and making) Boulder County a better place for all of us.”

THE 2025 TOM MAYER AWARDEE: Mardi Moore

MARDI MOORE HAS DEDICATED HER LIFE’S WORK to elevating the rights, visibility, safety, and socio-economic status of the LGBTQ community, building grassroots organizations from the ground up, living through the AIDS pandemic, and continuing to see the gradual, albeit slower-than-wished, acceptance of the LGBTQ community into mainstream public discourse.

Moore has been on the frontlines of the good fight for 30 years at the local and national level, recognizing that her role in demanding inclusion and diversity needed to go beyond armchair activism. She currently serves as CEO for Rocky Mountain Equality, a Colorado-based not-for-profit organization with the mission to educate, advocate, and provide services, programs, and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Coloradans. Under her leadership, the organization has grown more than five-fold in the past 10 years by modeling equality, respect, intersectional empathy, and deep understanding of the fundamental human right to fall asleep at night dreaming of an optimistic, realistic tomorrow.

Prior to leading Rocky Mountain Equality, Moore held senior-level positions in New York City with the National LGBTQ Task Force and the NYC LGBT Center, and ran a fundraising business in Seattle raising over $2M annually for progressive causes.  — Congratulations, Mardi!

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PAID FOR BY SUSIE AND PHIL CARAGOL

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PAID FOR BY JUNIE JOSEPH. REGISTERED AGENT JUNIE JOSEPH

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our 2025 champions award recipients continued

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THE JOSIE HEATH AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING YOUNG DEMOCRATS honors Josie Heath, a community activist, educator, political contender and yes, even a long time precinct leader, Josie is committed to improving the quality of life of Colorado citizens. She was Boulder County Commissioner from 1982-1990, Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in 1990 and 1992 and is, perhaps, best known for leadership as President of the Community Foundation serving Boulder County. Josie explains: “We just need to keep focused on the positive things, keep taking the risks to be pacesetters. I’m sure new folks will bring fresh ideas.”

INTRODUCTION FROM SHANNON GOLDEN-SCHUBERT: It is my honor to introduce one of the most meaningful recognitions in Boulder County: Josie Heath is a trailblazer, who has spent a lifetime advancing youth leadership, civic participation, and inclusive public service. With her work from the grassroots to the White House, Josie’s career shaped our communities. She is one of Colorado’s most respected civic leaders; this Award celebrates youth who model her values of equity, public service, and inclusive leadership. Our 2025 honorees truly live it. Our 2024 recipient, Dalton Valette, is with us tonight. Dalton, thank you for setting the bar so high—and, for pressing forward in 2025 as the current BCDP Treasurer.  We’re thrilled to have you here to pass the torch.

The question on everyone’s lips this year has been: “How do we meet this moment?” While some Democrats were wringing their hands—these students were already showing us. Through voter registration, civic outreach, and peer leadership, their efforts didn’t just impact one school year—they sparked something deeper: a culture shift. They’re shaping what democracy looks like next. This is generational transformation. When Michelle Obama said, “Do something,” they didn’t sit meekly. They answered that call under the guidance of their faculty mentors—Election Liaisons Aaron Hendrikson and Sarah Demmel.

These students understood the assignment. Look to my left…and to my right. This is the future. 

The Party is proud to recognize these individuals, because the sum of their work—is a youth movement. First, the award goes to the Fairview Young Democrats, represented tonight by five extraordinary student leaders, in recognition of their groundbreaking voter registration efforts – 85% of the senior class. Second, the award is also granted to students of AP United States Government & Politics at Niwot High School, whose classwork turned into courageous civic action and national correspondence with leaders like Justice Sotomayor and Congressman Neguse. — SG-S

THE 2025 JOSIE HEATH OUTSTANDING YOUNG DEMOCRATS AWARDEES:
Fairview High School and Niwot High School Students

Natalie Cappelletti is a rising senior at Fairview High School, where she serves as the Policy Debate Captain of the Fairview Speech and Debate Team, utilizing her communication skills to teach others how to advocate for and argue for change in her community. Natalie is also the founder of Fairview’s first student-led organization, “Project Lead The Way,” through which she registers her peers to vote and collaborates with local government officials to prioritize civic engagement at her school. Outside of school, Natalie’s passion for volunteerism began at a young age at A Precious Child, where she holds the role of Vice President of the Youth Service Leaders. Additionally, she works as a translator for Ask Us Another, a national organization that offers translated research and news content for major outlets. Natalie genuinely believes in the power of collective advocacy and the firm intersection of ideas, interests, and identities to create a space where everyone can thrive. Following high school, Natalie intends to study public policy and linguistics in college.
— Congratulations, Natalie!

Sigmund Persson, a recent graduate of Fairview High School, was born in Boulder in 2007. During his freshman year, he joined the Fairview Young Democrats Club, where he met with local and state representatives and worked to promote civic responsibility while cultivating a politically informed and active climate at Fairview. Much of the club’s work focused on registering high school students to vote, and the club is a two-time recipient of the Eliza Pickrell Routt award.?Sigmund?helped to organize voter registration drives twice a year for the first three years in high school. He has also volunteered multiple times with the Boulder County Democratic Party and is very active in the Speech and Debate community. — Congratulations, Sigmund!

Kieran Schnitzspahn is a recent graduate of Fairview High School and will be attending Cornell University this fall. Over the past four years, Kieran has dedicated himself to civic engagement, leading voter registration initiatives that helped Fairview secure its third Eliza Pickrell Routt Award by registering over 85% of eligible seniors to vote. He spent two years on the leadership team and one year as co-president of the Fairview Young Democrats, guiding his peers toward action and advocacy.

Kieran’s commitment to progressive change began early, lobbying in middle school for successful statewide plastic reduction legislation. A passionate conservationist, he is also nationally recognized as a rising star in ornithology, having placed first in ecology and second in forestry at Colorado’s Science Olympiad. He graduated Cum Laude, with the Seal of Biliteracy in French, and as a Knight of the Round Table. 

Whether organizing young voters or observing Boulder’s native birds in its open spaces, Kieran values youth leadership rooted in action, intellect, and local community.
— Congratulations, Kieran! 

Miles Shaw was born in Cleveland, Ohio,and has spent the last eight years of his life in Longmont, Colorado. As a member of Niwot High School’s 2026 graduating class, Miles dedicates his time to serving as a peer tutor for United States History classes and consistently sparks courageous conversations about where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re headed as a country. In the summer of 2023, Miles interned for former Representative Jennifer Parenti (HD-19) and assisted in conducting legal research on firearm and anti-discrimination statutes?in the state, engaging with constituents in the Firestone area and gaining insight into the world of public policy creation. He has taken his passion for fostering a more tolerant world to the Northern Colorado and Wyoming Youth Diversity Conference (2024) and the Rotary International World Affairs Seminar (2024) in Waukesha, Wisconsin. In his free time, Miles enjoys participating in Model United Nations conferences, being active on his school’s track & field and tennis teams, and spending time outdoors. — Congratulations, Miles!

Emma Weber is a recent graduate of Fairview High School in Boulder, Colorado, and a dedicated climate activist. She co-founded her local Sunrise Movement hub, part of a national organization of young people fighting to stop the climate crisis and invest in black, brown, and working-class communities. In 2023, she played a pivotal role in passing a districtwide climate justice resolution and has since led a statewide campaign, collaborating with state legislators to advance policies that support climate justice and public education. Beyond her local efforts, Emma plays a national role in shaping the Sunrise Movement’s student organizing strategy and support systems. Passionate about creating systemic change, she empowers young activists to advocate for meaningful political action. Outside of organizing, Emma enjoys spending time with her twin sister, reading, and running cross-country and track. — Congratulations, Emma!

Molly Weberis a recent graduate of Fairview High Schoolin Boulder, Colorado, where she led numerous climate justice initiatives. Most notably, she started a Sunrise Movement hub—part of a national, youth-led climate organization—in the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD), which worked tirelessly to pass the Green New Deal for Schools resolution, a districtwide climate-justice action plan and the first of its kind in the nation. This year, Molly and her Sunrise hub have focused?on passing statewide climate legislation related to public schools. Alongside her local work, Molly is involved nationally with the Sunrise movement by coaching new organizers across the country who are starting their own hubs. This summer, she will assist new Sunrise leaders in BVSD in adjusting to their roles, as well as train high school and?college students from?across the country at a Sunrise Movement program in Chicago. When not organizing, Molly runs cross country and track, which she will continue next year at George Washington University, and she enjoys spending time outdoors.
— Congratulations, Molly!

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PAID FOR BY LESLEY SMITH

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PAID FOR BY AARON BROCKETT AND CHERRY ANDERSON

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PAID FOR BY KAREN FOR CO

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THE 2025 CHAMPION OF DEMOCRACY AWARD recognizes community members or groups who are living our party’s values and thereby protecting Democracy.
This year it is awarded to:

Democratic Women of Boulder County

Award accepted by Lisa Lesniak, President of DWBC:

DEMOCRATIC WOMEN OF BOULDER COUNTY is a 501(C)4 non-profit social community organization with a mission to Educate, Engage, and Elect.

Longmont Area Democrats

Award accepted by Virginia Gebhart, President of LAD:

SINCE 2003, THE LONGMONT AREA DEMOCRATS  have been a local, energized, informed and FUN group of unapologetic Democrats & progressives who believe in a robust DEMOCRACY — and the principle that our Democracy is only as strong as the level of people participation on the local, state and federal level. 

So the choice is simple: we can wring our hands, or roll up our sleeves! 

We navigate through the issues of our time, we inform, guide folks through the legislative process, have candidate forums, provide voter & ballot education, raise alarms, and motivate — urging others to join in the fight: defending our beloved and shared democracy, whether during crisis, or in the prevention of crisis.

The issues we care about are affected by the democratic processes within Longmont’s and surrounding districts, but our passion for these issues transcends all boundaries! In fact, we believe the model of Longmont Area Democrats could be a template for every community in America.

— Congratulations, Longmont Area Democrats!

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PAID FOR BY MICHAEL FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL

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PAID FOR BY CLAIRE FOR BOULDER COUNTY

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heartfelt thanks to our sponsors

Your donations help us do the work we do, from office space and supplies, to our robust Get Out the Vote efforts, to our various Teams, including Outreach & Inclusion, to media communications, to the production of our BCDP Voter Guide, with over 80,000 of those guides dropped or mailed to neighborhoods all over Boulder County each election. No doubt about it — our democracy is at risk — and the best way to protect it is ENGAGEMENT and TURNOUT!

WE STAND READY AND INSPIRED…THANK YOU!

[threecolumns]TABLE SPONSORS — $3,000–$4,675

Michael Dougherty, District Attorney for JD 20 

Honorable Edie Hooton and Jim Hooton 

Honorable Congressman Joe Neguse 

Cynthia Snell   

TABLE SPONSORS — $2,000–$2,500

Democratic Mayors Table: Aaron Brockett, Mayor of Boulder; Hollie Rogin, Mayor of Lyons; Chris Leh, Mayor of Louisville; Mark Lacis, Mayor of Superior; Joan Peck, Mayor of Longmont; Michael Box, Mayor of Jamestown 

Democratic Women of Boulder County 

Legislative Delegation: Kyle Brown, HD 12; Janice Marchman, SD 15; Karen McCormick, HD 11; Lesley Smith, HD 49; Katie Wallace, SD 17 

Virginia Gebhart — Longmont Area Democrats    

Friends of Junie Joseph

OBAMA SPONSORS — $1,000+

Heather Beadle  

Thomas Boldt 

Ben Cowan 

Julie Dadone 

Honorable Steve Fenberg 

Josie and Rollie Heath 

Bill Hyde 

Dee Perry 

Carol and Chuck Semple 

Carol Teal and Bill Wilson 

FDR SPONSORS — $500+

Sarah Amirani 

Ann Blonston  

Boulder Valley Education Association Small Donor Committee 

Colorado Senator Jeff Bridges, SD 26  

Susie and Phil Caragol 

Kubs Lalchandani 

Claire Levy, Boulder County Commissioner 

Scott Mangino, 2nd Vice Chair, Colorado Democratic Party 

Sean and Emily Stewart 

Tammy and David Stewart 

[/threecolumns]

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YOUR SUPPORT HELPS US DO THE WORK WE DO, LIKE: — REGISTER RENTERS: Serving an underserved demographic, apartment dwellers!

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YOUR SUPPORT HELPS US TO DO THE WORK THAT WE DO, LIKE — KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: From our Outreach and Inclusion Team, listening to communities under threat, building trust and providing help. For more information, contact OIT@bocodems.org 

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TELL YOUR FRIENDS WHO WERE UNABLE TO JOIN US THIS EVENING — ANOTHER GREAT WAY TO GIVE: Consider a monthly donation of $10 a month! It’s easy and the best way to invest in one of the finest field teams in the state, helping voters to vote BLUE on every part of their ballot!

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Remembering our first time…

THE FIRST BOULDER COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY TRUMAN DINNER was held on February 13, 1976, in the “Memorial Center Ballroom” at CU. Rumor has it there were 500 in attendance, but we don’t know what the menu was.

We’re guessing chicken.

In 1976, Dickey Lee Hullinghorst served as our party chair. Dickey Lee and the previous chair, Ron Stewart, decided to have an annual event, calling it the Truman Dinner.

Dickey Lee and a lot of good Democratic volunteers made it a reality. Senator Gary Hart, who had recently been elected in 1974, helped secure George McGovern (shown here, with Dickie Lee at our first Truman Dinner in 1976), South Dakota Senator, and our Presidential candidate in 1972, as the first keynote speaker. McGovern gave the audience a glimpse of what the country may have looked like if he had triumphed over Richard Nixon.

That first Truman Dinner boasted some local Colorado celebrities, too. Among them were newly elected Governor Dick Lamm and Congressman Tim Wirth, along with Lt. Governor George Brown and Attorney General J. D. MacFarlane. Some names from the 1976 Truman Dinner team are familiar to us today: along with Dickey Lee and Ron, there’s Charlotte Houston, Barbara Lamm, and Linda Flack.

Just like in 1976, this event is only made possible by the many volunteers who help plan and organize it. We thank Dickey Lee and Ron for getting it started, and every volunteer since then, for keeping it going.

— This engaging piece of history was written by Candace Bowie, in 2015, the same year that Dickie Lee Hullinghorst was Colorado Speaker of the House, and as we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Truman Dinner. Candace was a valued member of the BCDP Field Team, but also worked many years on the organizing of the Truman Celebration and continues to be an active and cherished member of the BoCoDem community. We hope that as we continue the latest era of the Champions of Democracy Celebration, that we do Candace, Dickie Lee, and the countless volunteers who came before us — proud. And in the process, perhaps get a wink from Harry Truman himself!

 

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2025 Champions Team:

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Katie Malzbender

Julie Dadone

Jonathan Singer

Ann Stewart Zachwieja

Marisa Dirks

Judi Bodinger

Carol Teal

Pat Feeser

Shannon Golden-Schubert

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“I should like to talk to you briefly about civil rights and human freedom. It is my deep conviction that we have reached a turning point in the long history of our country’s efforts to guarantee freedom and equality to all our citizens. Recent events in the United States and abroad have made us realize that it is more important today than ever before to ensure that all Americans enjoy these rights. … [And] When I say all Americans, I mean all Americans…

“We cannot be content with a civil liberties program which emphasizes only the need of protection against the possibility of tyranny by the government,” Truman continued. “We cannot stop there…

“Our immediate task is to remove the last remnants of the barriers which stand between millions of our citizens and their birthright. There is no justifiable reason for discrimination because of ancestry, or religion, or race, or color.

“We must not tolerate such limitations on the freedom of any of our people and on their enjoyment of basic rights which every citizen in a truly democratic society must possess. Every man should have the right to a decent home, the right to an education, the right to adequate medical care, the right to a worthwhile job, the right to an equal share in making the public decisions through the ballot, and the right to a fair trial in a fair court. We must ensure that these rights — on equal terms — are enjoyed by every citizen. To these principles I pledge my full and continued support.

“Many of our people still suffer the indignity of insult, the harrowing fear of intimidation, and, I regret to say, the threat of physical injury and mob violence. Prejudice and intolerance in which these evils are rooted still exist. The conscience of our nation, and the legal machinery which enforces it, have not yet secured to each citizen full freedom from fear.”

— HARRY S. TRUMAN, JUNE 29, 1947

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