Events >> Democracy Service Medal >> 2003 Democracy Service Medal
  • Tribute to Enrique Bolaños

  • Tribute to Donald M. Payne

  • Roundtable Discussion on Africa's Democracy Agenda
    • The Honorable Donald M. Payne

    Within the U.S. Congress, Don Payne is recognized as the leader of efforts to promote democracy throughout Africa and to build close bonds of friendship between African democrats and the people of the United States. Regardless of the administration in power or the issues that capture the spotlight of the media, Don has been a steady voice for engagement abroad to advance human rights and peace, and for solidarity with those who are struggling, often against great odds, to build democratic societies.

    NED President Carl Gershman (left) and NED Vice-Chairman Thomas R. Donahue (right) presented the Democracy Service Medal to retiring NED Board Member Donald Payne at a March 12 ceremony. During his nine-year tenure on the Board, Don was the member responsible for overseeing NED's program in Africa. Despite a heavy congressional workload, he not only devoted great time and energy to reviewing the Africa projects and reporting on them to the NED Board, but also met regularly with NED and institute staffs to strengthen the coordination of the Africa program and also the sense of common purpose among the entire NED family. Under Don's leadership, the Africa program flourished, and today we at NED take pride in the fact that our work is recognized throughout the continent, both in those countries where democracy is beginning to take root and in the more difficult situations where so many courageous democrats are fighting to defend human rights and build societies of tolerance and peace.

    From the successful struggle to achieve democracy in South Africa, to the protracted efforts to remove the dictators from Nigeria, to the ongoing attempts to heal the ravages of war in Congo, Liberia, and Sudan, Don has played a significant role both on the Hill and at NED. He has effectively combined a thoughtful, low-keyed approach with an intense determination to fight injustice, and not only in Africa. Indeed, Don has traveled frequently to many parts of the world where democracy is at best a long-term prospect, in each place giving democrats hope through his interest and involvement.

    For his deep commitment to African democrats and his tireless efforts on behalf of a democratic future for people everywhere, we are pleased to bestow the National Endowment for Democracy's Democracy Service Medal on Congressman Donald M. Payne.

    March 12, 2003
    Washington, D.C.

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