#HumorHelpsDemocracy

Trevor Noah hosts the Emmy® and Peabody® Award-winning “The Daily Show,” which received two 2019 Emmy® nominations, including Outstanding Variety Talk Series and Outstanding Interactive Program. Noah’s latest stand-up special “Son of Patricia” was released in 2018. His other stand-up specials include “Afraid of the Dark” (2017), “Lost in Translation” (2016) and “African American” (2013). This year, Noah is crossing North America on his “Loud & Clear” arena tour and will release the paperback version of his 2016 New York Times best seller “Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood” as well as an adaptation for young readers. Noah has several projects in development via his Day Zero Productions, including a feature film adaptation of “Born a Crime” and a half-hour comedy at Comedy Central.

NDI’s Leadership in Democracy Award recognizes individuals and organizations from around the world that have carried out NDI’s mission of “working for democracy and making democracy work” through innovative or non-traditional means, typically outside of the fields of politics or international affairs, often through the establishment of public-private partnerships. The award honors “outside-of-the-box” leadership that reinforces a culture of democracy; recognizes and promotes fundamental human rights; helps ensure that democracy delivers for all citizens; and creates or sustains democratic institutions. NDI is grateful to individuals whose distinguished commitment to democracy has a transformational impact. Their passion, involvement, and impact is an inspiration to and catalyst for others to emulate their examples and get involved.

NDI’s 2019 Democracy Gala celebrates humor as the most democratic form of speech, and explores how humor critiques social and political imperfections in democracy, informing and leading to social change. We know that satire is a valued and trusted vehicle for freedom of expression. There’s growing evidence, however, that comedy and satire are also powerful tools for promoting a broader range of democratic values. Comedy and satire allow us to communicate pro-democracy messages. They build bridges to new audiences, such as the 18 to 35 year-old youth demographic.