Nicole Johnson

The Riverside County Democratic Party hosted its Spirit of Democracy Celebration on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at the Moreno Valley Conference and Recreation Center, bringing together Democratic clubs, community champions, and party leaders from across Riverside County for an afternoon of recognition, inspiration, and community.

United States Senator Adam Schiff headlined the event, delivering remarks about what is at stake in 2026 and the critical role Riverside County plays in the fight to take back the House. California State Controller Malia Cohen joined as keynote speaker, and performing artist and activist Sweet Baby J’ai brought energy & joy to the afternoon.

The event honored the legacy of Gary H. Bosworth, a landmark civil rights and disability rights activist whose advocacy helped shape decades of grassroots organizing, civic engagement, and public service throughout Riverside County.

Highlights included the Chartered Club Awards, recognizing outstanding Democratic clubs across 12 categories, Community Champion of Democracy Awards presented to leaders across six Assembly Districts, and Spirit of Solidarity Awards honoring Courageous Resistance Indivisible of the Desert and the Transgender Health and Wellness Center.

The UAN Special Report below, produced by F4R Media, captures the urgency and passion surrounding the event, a powerful reminder of why this work matters and what is at stake for democracy in 2026 and beyond.

Meet the Spirit of Democracy Celebration.

Come for the Portillo’s. Stay for the Movement.

VIEW PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION HERE

Most fundraisers ask for your money and your time. This one gives you something back.
The Spirit of Democracy Celebration on May 3rd is a genuine festival-style event with great food from Portillo’s, club awards, photo opportunities, and an afternoon of real community with Riverside County Democrats who get it. No pledge cards. No uncomfortable asks. Just good food, good people, and a cause worth showing up for.
And this year we are bringing two extraordinary women to our stage. Malia Cohen, California State Controller and Democratic candidate for re-election in 2026, joins us as our keynote speaker. As the CFO of the world’s fourth largest economy, a champion for economic equality, financial accountability, and equity, and the first African American woman to serve on the California State Board of Equalization, Malia Cohen is exactly the kind of leader this moment demands. She will inspire, inform, and energize us for the battles ahead.
And bringing the energy, the joy, and the movement is our featured entertainer Sweet Baby J’ai, a powerhouse vocalist, cultural force, equity advocate, and host of Period Dot! on the United America Network. She does not just perform. She moves people. She builds movements.
Your ticket also funds the work that matters most heading into 2026: voter registration, grassroots organizing, candidate recruitment, and the GOTV operations that flipped Riverside County Democratic at 56% and drove Prop 50 to victory. The road to taking back the House runs through Riverside County, and this event is how we fuel that mission.
One ticket. One afternoon. Food, community, awards, Malia Cohen, Sweet Baby J’ai, and real Democratic impact.

Tickets are $65 through April 25 and $75 starting April 26. Grab yours before the price goes up.

Want to make a bigger impact? Sponsorship opportunities are available starting at $150, with packages up to $2,500 that include logo placement, event tickets, and podium recognition in front of active voters, community leaders, and decision-makers who support businesses that invest in their community. Visit the SPONSORSHIP FORM to explore sponsorship levels and sign up today.

Sunday, May 3rd | 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Moreno Valley Conference and Recreation Center