In our membership brochure, we describe ourselves as an organization where “people come together to push the edge of the possible.” That’s one of my favorite ways to describe what we do as an organization. It is, after all, central to the progressive movement and central to our nation and society’s success.
Last night, here in Albany, we honored four incredible people who devote their lives to leading us all to push the edge of the possible – four people who don’t let a day go by without having done something to make the world a better place.
Over 100 Citizen Action members and supporters from the Capital District came together at The State Room to honor Norma Chapman, Judith Mazza, Vera “Mike” Michelson, and Joe Seeman as they received the Jim Perry Progressive Leadership Award.
In the past few weeks, I’ve posted each of their stories. I hope you were as inspired by reading them as I was.
It occurred to me, though, that I hadn’t posted anything about the man for whom the celebration is named, Jim Perry.
There were many folks in the room last night who knew Jim. They all have fond memories, and feel a profound sense of loss. But, they all also recognize that his contributions are seen everyday throughout our community.
He played a key role in the formation of the Empire State Pride Agenda, was the President of the Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club in Albany, central to the fight for Albany’s Human Rights Ordinance, and was a founding member of Citizen Action of the Capital District.
Jim was a true coalition builder.
Most importantly, he brought people together to take collective action toward a common goal – he lead people to come together to push the edge of the possible.
I never knew Jim Perry, but his legacy lives on every day through the incredible leaders involved with Citizen Action.
Here are some photos from last night’s event: