Farmington Bridge Builders Wins Inaugural George Washington Unity Award!

Award Recognition
Farmington Bridge Builders, based in Farmington, Michigan, has been selected to receive the inaugural George Washington Unity Award at the Bridge Building Innovation Showcase & Awards Event at Mount Vernon on September 24, 2025. This national celebration, positioned as the kickoff to the first-ever in-person Bridging Movement Summit, honors community teams across America who are following “a patriot’s path” by building bridges of trust and belonging in their communities.

Why They’re Honored
Like George Washington, the group believes that leadership means leaning into discomfort, recognizing the dignity and value of others across lines of difference, and working together for the greater good. Their approach reflects healing, resilience, humility, and a commitment to the well-being of all, especially when the path forward is uncertain or challenging.

Roots in Belonging
Farmington Bridge Builders first came together through the Bridging to Belonging program, where they built a foundation of trust and deeper relationships. This transformational experience inspired them to extend their work outward, creating new opportunities for dialogue, understanding, and stronger community ties.

Community Impact
The team has championed efforts to foster greater connectedness in the Farmington area. Their impact includes raising awareness and participation in the city’s Juneteenth celebration, supporting events that honor diversity, and creating spaces that bridge gaps in community cohesion and belonging. Their ongoing work demonstrates how local action can model national ideals of unity and democracy.

Farmington Bridge Builders:
Rev. Stancy Adams
Senator Rosemary Bayer
Jeff Day
Rev. Dr. Patricia Coleman-Burns
Abizer Rasheed
Thomas Shurtleff