The 2026 Tribute Journal
A look at the honorees and leaders behind this year’s celebration, and the teachers and students at the heart of Teach Democracy’s mission.
An evening of civic excellence
Every year, Teach Democracy’s Annual Celebration brings together people who believe deeply in the power of civic education to strengthen our democracy.
On September 17, 2026, we returned to The Beverly Hilton to honor the people who make this work possible and marked the 250th anniversary of the American founding with the people writing its next chapter. Marketplace host Kai Ryssdal led the evening.
We also honored the people advancing our mission. Brad D. Brian, Firm Chair of Munger, Tolles & Olson, received the Bill of Rights Award, and Brian R. Michael, Partner at Morrison Foerster, received the Lloyd M. Smith Award, recognizing their leadership in the legal community and their support for civic education.
Thursday, September 17, 2026 · 5:30 PM
The Beverly Hilton Hotel · 9876 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills
Kai Ryssdal
Emcee
Host and Senior Editor, Marketplace
Brad D. Brian
Bill of Rights Award
Firm Chair, Munger, Tolles & Olson
Brian R. Michael
Lloyd M. Smith Award
Partner, Morrison Foerster
Meet the Guests
Thank you to our guests who joined us on September 17 to talk about what civic education makes possible.
Dominique Caamano
Partner, Kibler Fowler & Cave
Board Member, Teach Democracy
Tara Newman
Judge, Los Angeles Superior Court
Board Member, Teach Democracy
Pedro Antonio Noguera
Dean, USC Rossier School of Education
Michael Waterstone
Dean, UCLA School of Law
