Every year, Freedom House holds its Champions of Freedom event where outstanding people who make great contributions to the cause of freedom receive awards. I've been on the Freedom House board where Gail Snowden, known for her innovative community banking approaches while at BankBoston and Fleet (remember them, Bostonians?) now serves as CEO. Gail's parents, Otto and Muriel Snowden, founded Freedom House in 1949 and its mission, to educate kids and inspire them to do things that might cross their minds but for which they don't have the resources, continues. That's my interpretation. Here's the official mission statement:
Our mission is to promote economic selfsufficiency and social justice for residents in historically underserved neighborhoods through targeted educational development, increased civic and political engagement and progressive cultural advocacy.
Tonight's celebration honored a variety of people, the first award given in honor of Carolyn Goodman, for whom an award has been named. I've written a-plenty about Carolyn and the Goodman Family here. This year's Carolyn Goodman Award went to Margot Stern Strom, President and Executive Director of Facing History and Ourselves.
Earlier in the day, a small group of Facing History staff hosted a luncheon for Carolyn's son (and my long-time friend) David Goodman, to which I was invited. Quite a privilege to be included. Photos by Facing History-er Jeanine Zurkus (thanks!)
David Goodman and Adam Strom
David and Margot Stern Strom
Front row: David and Margot
Back row: Moi, Michael Durney, Adam Strom, and Marty Sleeper
