ADA Special Events
Many years ago, one of ADA’s most distinguished founders, Eleanor Roosevelt, noted, “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” Today, when it seems the far-right is on the ascent, there is an urgent need to sustain and support the work of progressives. ADA not only takes action to create change, we celebrate our heroes and our victories with events such as those you see below. Now is an opportune moment for ADA to be more and to do more… to light more candles that will generate more light. We hope you consider making a donation in support of our work.

ADA Book Discussion: Civil Rights Warrior

In this event friends and family joined together to hear the stories and experiences of our Civil Rights Warrior, Evelyn Jones Rich. Participants enjoyed hearing from her and sharing in her remarkable life. You can watch the video by clicking the button below. For those of you who have not had a chance to read this extraordinary memoir, you can still purchase Evie's book from your vendor of choice or from the publisher here: https://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/9781510785656/civil-rights-warrior/

ADA Awards Gala 2025

As ADA continues our work advocating, educating, and mobilizing, we know that the challenges our nation faces in defending democracy from Trump and his anti-democratic MAGA forces. Our 2025 honorees included: Everett Kelley, AFGE President, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Julie Su, Jim Acosta,.

ADA Book Discussion: Jim Jontz

Jim Jontz, former Congressman and ADA President, dedicated his public and personal life to preserving America's natural treasures. His person to person style of organizing defined his legacy. Learn more from Ray Boomhower, author of The People's Choice: Congressman Jim Jontz of Indiana.

ADA Awards Gala 2024

ADA Honors champions including IAM President Brian Bryant, Dr. Evelyn Jones Rich of NYC ADA, columnist Eugene Robinson, ADA's own Kurt Meyer, and Rep. Debbie Dingell.

ADA Awards Gala 2023

Honoring Connie Schultz, Shawn Fain, Marty Walsh, and Joe Uehlein.

ADA Book Discussion: Into The Bright Sunshine

This event highlighted a book that tells the tale about the early history of ADA founder Hubert Humphrey and ends with a cherished part of ADA’s storied history.

ADA Book Discussion: The Woman Behind The New Deal

ADA Celebrates our 75th Anniversary with a discussion of the New Deal with Author Kirstin Downey highlighting her book about Frances Perkins, The Woman Behind the New Deal.

ADA Awards Gala 2022

Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) celebrates 75 years of activism and our honorees including Rep. Marcy Kaptur, Gara LaMarche, Tori Huster and Jonathan Capehart

ADA Book Discussion: Patsy T. Mink

ADA was joined by authors Judy Wu and Wendy Mink to discuss their book about Patsy Mink.

ADA Awards Gala 2021

Honoring: Eleanor Clift, journalist & voice of reason Rep. Jamie Raskin, progressive leader Stuart Appelbaum, labor leader Allen Kukovich, activist and dedicated ADA member

ADA Book Discussion: Tio Bernie

Strategist Chuck Rocha joins ADA to discuss his book, Tio Bernie.

ADA Book Discussion: John Kenneth Galbraith

Author Dr. Richard Parker discusses ADA Founder, economist JK Galbraith, and is joined by Dr. James K. Galbraith

ADA Awards Gala 2020

Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) celebrates champions of progress, Leo Gerard, Yolanda Caraway, and E.J. Dionne. We remember Rep. John Lewis, a past president of ADA and activist Betty King. AND...we hear from allies such as Sens. Sanders, Brown, Hirono, and Booker. Reps. Levin and Frank. Music from Peter Yarrow and Joe Uehlein too! Enjoy.