Democracy is on the table at Modesto Junior College’s Freedom Forum banquet
Modesto Junior College’s Freedom Forum Club hosted its Democracy Banquet on Wednesday, inviting local leaders and students to ponder the theme “Democracy in the Central Valley.”
Nafisa Rahman, president of the Freedom Forum, said she fought for the banquet theme and has incorporated local news into the club meetings. “We didn’t really have a lot of feelings on what was happening” on the local political scene, Rahman said. “That was one of the motivations as to why I chose or suggested this theme for the banquet.”
The event opened with a discussion about what attendees believe the next governor’s local priorities should be. The responses varied – some focused on the cost of living, while others highlighted the need for high-speed rail or K-12 education.
Following two student speakers, Riverbank Mayor Rachel Hernandez, a former member of the club, gave the keynote.
Hernandez shared her experience deciding to run for City Council in 2020, followed by mayor in 2024, and what it meant to her to gain the trust of her constituents and colleagues.
She also offered advice for those in the club who are looking toward a career in politics. “Please don’t lose sight of everything you spoke about, because it’s so true, we have to remember who we’re at the table for, and the seats that we’re bringing with us, because it matters every single day.”
Steven Miller, dean of political science at MJC and the club’s faculty adviser, said it started in 2010. “The goals were to help us be informed about politics and promote political participation on campus,” Miller said.
The club is nonpartisan, and its alumni have gone into political careers including lobbying and being district directors for state leaders.
Celeste Randolph, the MJC student body president, spoke about how she approaches democracy. “Democracy is that beautiful blaze, but we are the match that keeps it going,” Randolph said.
Sharon Tokpan, a member of the club and an engineering student, recalled a classroom discussion on pollution and solutions and how students argued and compromised. “Looking back, that was my first encounter with democracy,” Tokpan said.
She spent two years in the club and a year in Intercollegiate Speech and Debate and will be transferring to Stanislaus State.
“Even now, my voice fluctuates and falters if I’m speaking about something new and risky, but certainty is not what democracy is about,” Tokpan said. “You don’t have the luxury of sitting on the sidelines until you’re ready to be seen.”
Miller said the club hosts candidate forums and discusses everything from local to international politics.
“Our club members really do care about trying to make our world better,” Miller said. “I’m grateful personally to be able to work with such a great group of students this year and in past years.”
