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Fourth New Democracy Service Awards 2010

The Democracy Service Award Gala Committee
Cordially Invites You To It's Annual Celebration

October 27, 2010
6:15 P.M. Reception
7:00 P.M. Dinner
The Ritz Carlton, Boston Common

The 2010 New Democracy Service Awardees Are

Danny Glover continues an extraordinary career in acting and humanitarian service.  Deeply committed to the democratic values that sustain the American life, Glover is also recognized globally as a cultural icon and world-wide defender of civil and civic rights. Nominated five times for an Emmy award, Glover is well-known for his role in The Color Purple,”  the “Die Hard” series and “Witness.”  Since 1998 Mr. Glover has served as an ambassador for the United Nations Development Program.  He has served as chair of the board for TransAfrica, the international non-government organization.  He has received 5 NAACP Image Awards.

Paul S. Grogan is an undisputable civic leader in Boston whose initiatives have gained him a national reputation as creative urban reformer.  As President and CEO of The Boston Foundation, Grogan has reframed local philanthropy to purposes of dynamic regional change and urban revitalization.  Spanning the cultural, civic, educational and public safety sectors, the Boston Foundation has been an instrument spurring innovation and new philanthropic paradigms.  Mr. Grogan is co-author of the book: “Comeback Cities: A Blue Print for Urban Neighborhood Revival.”

James T. Brett represents the gold standard of citizenship. President and CEO of the New England Council, a nationally respected and influential regional business and non-profit alliance, Brett’s life has exemplified public service and dedication to the American dream.  Mr. Brett’s life is rooted in community service.  A Dorchester native, Brett volunteered in the Robert F. Kennedy presidential campaign. He served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives for more than fifteen years and

Ayanna Pressley represents a new star on Boston’s political horizon.  A history maker, in 2009, Ms. Pressley became the first woman of color elected to the Boston City Council during its 100-year history.  Elected citywide, Pressley’s campaign electrified all precincts of the city, garnering her a reputation as a civic community-builder.  During her first term Ms. Pressley has focused in the areas of domestic violence, mentoring, inner city violence, hunger and homelessness.  Past recognition includes the Wonder Woman Award by the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus in 2005 and the 2008 Unity First Visionary Woman of Excellence. 

Master of Ceremony, Peter Meade

Peter Meade began his term as the President and CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate in August 2009.

Meade was Managing Director of Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications before joining the Kennedy Institute. He served for 12 years as Executive Vice President of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, where he was part of the senior management team that turned BCBSMA from a failing enterprise to a robust, responsible and profitable business.

Prior to joining Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Meade served as President and CEO of The New England Council and represented regional business concerns in Washington, D.C

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Sponsorship 

National Honorary Chair
Congressman John Lewis,
5th Congressional District, Atlanta Georgia

National Honorary C-Chairs
U.S. Magistrate Judge Joyce London Alexander-Ford (Retired)
Former Tuskegee, Alabama Mayor Johnny Ford

Commonwealth Co-Chairs
Congressman Michael Capuano
City Council President Michael Ross
University of Massachusetts Chancellor J. Keith Motley

Gala Committee Members
Leonard M. Lee, New Democracy Coalition Board Chair
Joseph Leavey, President & CEO Communities for People
Vonnessa Goodnight, Freedom House
Charlotte Streat, VP, Bank of America
Stephan Howard, Blue Cross Blue Shield
Lebone Moses, Ernst & Young
A.J. Gerriter, 451 Marketing
Ronald Marlow, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Robert C.Williams, Federal Mobility
Sabrina Williams, Tufts Health Plan
John Jenkins, Cozmer Insurance
Rev. Ego Ezeidi, Empowerment Christian Church
Charles Walker, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Lisa Guscott, Longbay Management
Robert Lewis Jr., The Boston Foundation
Bishop A. Livingston Foxworth, Grace Church of All Nations
Darnell Williams, Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts
City Councillor Calvin Brown
Rev. C.T. Vivian, Center for Democratic Renewal
Sen. Hank Saunders, Selma, Alabama
Rev. William Dickerson, Greater Love
Richard Taylor, Suffolk University
Steve Tompkins, Suffolk County