On May 31, 2026, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum awarded its 2026 Profiles in Courage Award to the community of the Twin Cities of Minnesota.

Voted by a bi-partisan committee, the prestigious prize was awarded to the citizens because they courageously defended the rights granted by the Constitution of the United States.

“Tens of thousands took to the streets to peacefully protest federal overreach and threats to immigrant families and constitutional protections, while others documented enforcement activity and alerted neighbors to federal agents’ presence.

“Tens of thousands took to the streets to peacefully protest federal overreach and threats to immigrant families and constitutional protections, while others documented enforcement activity and alerted neighbors to federal agents’ presence.

Faith leaders organized demonstrations, community groups built rapid-response networks, labor leaders and small business defended workers, and volunteers provided critical support and resources. Across religious, racial, and political lines, a broad coalition of residents of the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs united in peaceful resistance despite violent confrontation and real personal risk, defending their neighbors’ rights and strengthening the national movement to protect American democracy.”

This is the type of strength and courage demonstrated by our forefathers and mothers as they fought to free us from British rule. America was born in blood and glory. They helped form our democracy and despite challenges over 250 years we held on. The Constitution they developed has withstood wars, external and internal. Scandals, assassinations and attempted assassinations, corruption, and national challenges have not swayed us. There have always been flaws and disagreements between parties. But the power of these words has held.

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

 

Only with our determination to keep the words alive for future generations can we continue to survive as a nation. WIT