Bringing citizenship education alive through film, arts and community dialogue, community forum draws 1,000 citizens of all ages together to celebrate character-based citizenship in California and recognize recipients of our “Highest Office: Citizen Award.”

Thoughts From Attendees

2008 - Courage, Responsibility & Change

May 17, 2008 - We celebrated the life and contributions of baseball's Branch Rickey. Rickey is best known for hiring the first African-American professional base-ball players, including Jackie Robinson, early in the 20th century. Having the courage necessary to take responsibility for change is a hallmark of his story. Rickey's character and sense of personal responsibility provide a wonderful legacy from which we have much to learn.

2007 - Justice, Fairness & Equity

May 17, 2007 - Educator Erin Gruwell, inspiration for the film "Freedom Writers" starring Hilary Swank, spoke of how she helped change the lives of her students by fostering education that valued and promoted diversity. A distinguished group of student and teacher panelists also participated in the forum, reminding us all of the importance of a quality education and its role in preparing "everyday" citizens. In addition, CYC recognized Dr. Rex Fortune, founder of the Project Pipeline Teacher Credential Program, with our Highest Office: Citizen Award.

2006 - Leadership, Community & Character

May 11, 2006 - Special guest and inspirational role model Coach Ken Carter received the Highest Office: Citizen Award for his determination to show the importance of character and education (when he locked his undefeated team out of the gym). Panelists then offered poignant insights into how Coach Carter’s exemplary model of citizenship teaches students to achieve both on and off the basketball court. Joining Coach Carter were his son, Damien Carter, and Sacramento Monarch, Ruthie Bolton.

April 28, 2005 - Jaime Escalante, renowned educator and inspiration for the film “Stand and Deliver,” received the Highest Office: Citizen Award for his exemplary model of citizenship. Special guests included Jaime Escalante, educator; former students of Mr. Escalante; and Edward James Olmos, Academy Award nominated actor, writer and producer.

2004 - Equity, Justice & Character

April 22, 2004 - CYC commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision. Special guests included George Stevens Jr., writer, producer and director of “Separate but Equal”; Sharon Robinson, daughter of Jackie Robinson, author, and educational programming consultant for Major League Baseball; and Adam Clayton Powell, III, Professor at the USC Center on Public Diplomacy.