Nov. 30, 2023

O’Connor Institute Hosts Incredible Evening Featuring the Life of Frederick Douglass

Lois Savage and Gay Firestone Wray with Nita & Phil Francis

The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy held its annual History Dinner on Nov. 4, 2023, at The Phoenician Resort. This year’s featured historical figure was Frederick Douglass.

Presenting Sponsor: Burton Family Foundation

Event Co-Chairs: Nita & Phil Francis and Lois & Steve Savage

Honorary Chairs: Sharon & Dr. Oliver Harper and Jan & Tom Lewis

Keynote Speaker & Spirit of Democracy Award Recipient: David W. Blight

Fireside Chat Moderator: Kenneth B. Morris Jr., the great-great-great-grandson of Frederick Douglass and great-great-grandson of Booker T. Washington

Notable Moments: Guests arrived excited for the annual History Dinner and the incredible attention to detail paid to every aspect of the evening. Once seated, all were treated to an impactful scene from the play “A Walk to Respect,” featuring actors portraying Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The dinner menu was inspired by the mid-1800s and included a sweet corn crab bisque and an Irish sweet creme vanilla cherry cheesecake. The presentation by Pulitzer Prize winner David W. Blight was a fascinating peek into details surrounding key moments during the Civil War and the life of Frederick Douglass. The evening ended with the announcement of the historic figures who will be featured next year: President Harry Truman and J. Robert Oppenheimer.

Photos courtesy of Marion Rhoades Photography

***Co-Chairs*** ***Lois & Steve Savage***

***Councilman Kevin Robinson*** ***& Dr. Michele Halyard*** ***with*** ***Becky Pierson & Fred Pakis***

***Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee & Dr. Nelson Mar***

***Howard & Lisa Bell with* ***Kenneth B. Morris Jr.*****

***Dr. Oliver & Sharon Harper, Phil & Nita Francis, Kenneth B. Morris Jr., David W. Blight, Lois Savage, Jan Lewis & Steve Savage***

***O’Connor Institute president & CEO Sarah Suggs***

***A scene from “A Walk to Respect” kicked off the program***

***The beautiful vignette dedicated to Justice O’Connor***

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