Auntie Maxine Takes the Stage as New Frontier Marks 66 Years of Power
Congresswoman Maxine Waters to Deliver Keynote Address on “Standing Up for Democracy”
The Southern Truth
By Dr. Gloria Zuurveen, Editor-in-Chief
LOS ANGELES, CA — In a time when democracy is tested and voices must rise with clarity and conviction, the New Frontier Democratic Club is standing firm—celebrating 66 years of unwavering commitment to political empowerment, community advocacy, and Black leadership in California.
On Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the Club will host its 66th Annual Awards Luncheon at the elegant Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles Westside. The theme—“Standing Up for Democracy”—is not just a slogan; it is a declaration rooted in history and carried forward with purpose.
A LEGACY ROOTED IN STRUGGLE—AND STILL STANDING
Founded in 1960, during a time when Black political voices were fighting to be heard in rooms that were never built for them, the New Frontier Democratic Club emerged as a force. Its mission has remained consistent: organize the community, elevate leadership, and ensure that democracy includes everyone—not just a select few. From the echoes of John F. Kennedy and the spirit of Democratic mobilization in Los Angeles decades ago, to today’s modern political battles, the Club has never wavered. It has been a pipeline, a platform, and a proving ground for leaders who refuse to sit down when justice calls them to stand.
Mike Davis, President, New Frontier Democratic Club Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
MAXINE WATERS: A VOICE THAT NEVER WAVERS
At the center of this year’s celebration stands Maxine Waters, keynote speaker, longtime member, and a political force whose name carries weight from South Los Angeles to the halls of Congress. Known affectionately across the nation as “Auntie Maxine,” she is more than a lawmaker—she is a movement.
Congresswoman Maxine Waters appears with a group of mothers whose sons were killed in incidents involving gun violence and police encounters—including the mothers of Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice, and others not pictured or identified—highlighting ongoing calls for justice, reform, and remembrance. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen.
She has stood with grieving mothers demanding justice when their children were taken too soon. She has challenged systems of oppression, from policing practices here at home to global injustices like apartheid in South Africa. She has led within the Congressional Black Caucus, shaping national conversations around equity, accountability, and economic justice.
Her presence at this luncheon is not symbolic—it is strategic. It is a reminder that power, when used correctly, can shift the direction of history.
HONORING THOSE DOING THE WORK—RIGHT NOW
This year’s honorees represent the very backbone of community uplift—those who don’t wait for change but build it:
- Kyle Patterson — A labor leader advancing workforce access and economic mobility, while bridging second chances through reentry programs.
- Karen Earl — CEO of Jenesse Center Inc., continuing a legacy of protecting and empowering survivors of domestic violence across South Los Angeles.
- The Honorable Sherrill D. Luke (Posthumous) — A trailblazer whose journey from UCLA student leadership to Superior Court judge defined a lifetime of justice and service.
- Michele Reed — A tireless advocate from South Central, representing caregivers and vulnerable communities through her leadership with SEIU Local 2015.
These are not just names—they are living proof that leadership is not about titles, but about impact.
A SOUTHERN TRUTH MOMENT
There comes a time when organizations either fade into memory—or rise into legacy.
The New Frontier Democratic Club has chosen legacy.
In a world where attention spans are short and political loyalty can be transactional, this Club has remained rooted in something deeper: purpose. It has helped shape leaders, influence elections, and build a political culture where Black voices are not an afterthought—but a driving force.
And let’s be clear—organizations like this don’t survive 66 years by accident.
They survive because they matter.
They endure because they deliver.
They rise because the people demand it.
EVENT DETAILS
- Event: 66th Annual Awards Luncheon
- Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026
- Time: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles Westside
- Tickets: www.newfrontierdemocraticclub.org | (323) 301-0016
FINAL WORD
In times like these, when democracy is not just discussed but tested, the New Frontier Democratic Club reminds us what it looks like to stand up—not just speak up.
And with Maxine Waters leading the charge at this year’s luncheon, one thing is certain:
The fight continues. The voice remains strong. And the legacy is far from over.
