Dear Friends of Freedom,

In a world where the value of transparency, free expression, and civic heroism has never been more critical, it's our pleasure to announce the co-winners of this year’s prestigious Pete Weitzel Friend of the First Amendment Foundation Award: William “Bill” Bunkley and Stephana Ferrrell.

On June 15th, join us in celebrating these outstanding champions at the First Amendment Foundation Awards, a gathering dedicated to honoring those who vigorously defend the First Amendment.

As our Executive Director, Bobby Block aptly puts it: “Our rights as Floridians to free expression and government transparency are under constant threat from overzealous lawmakers, uninformed government officials, and overworked public servants. What guarantees our rights to speak, hear, and know in the face of these dangers are the efforts of individuals like Stephana Ferrell and Bill Bunkley, who stand up for what is right. We all owe Stephana and Bill and everybody else who challenges those who would try to cow us into silence and ignorance a debt of gratitude. They deserve to be celebrated."

Bill Bunkley: A Voice for Liberty

An 18-year veteran talk show host with Salem Media and a proud Tampa native. Bill's dedication to preserving our First Amendment rights echoes far beyond the borders of central Florida. Every weekday from 3 pm to 6 pm, listeners tune in to The Bill Bunkley Show, where his voice amplifies the importance of free speech and open dialogue.

In addition to his role in media, Bill serves as President of the Florida Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, where he champions legislative transparency and the preservation of open government. For nearly three decades, he has been the legislative consultant to the Florida Baptist State Convention, advocating for the values he holds dear.

Bill's journey hasn't been without its challenges. Diagnosed with AML Leukemia in 2018, he faced adversity head-on and emerged victorious after undergoing a life-saving bone marrow transplant. His resilience in the face of hardship is a testament to the indomitable spirit that drives him forward.

Reflecting on his achievements, Bill shares, "I’m humbled and honored to join a distinguished list of previous recipients recognized here in Florida for protecting our most unique and cherished national treasure, the First Amendment. I applaud this august organization’s dedication to preserving open government interaction here in Florida for all, regardless of the views they bring forth in the public square."

Stephana Ferrell:

A Champion of Truth and Education

A parent, business owner, and the driving force behind the Florida Freedom to Read Project (FFTRP). As an Orange County Public School parent of two, Stephana's journey into advocacy began with a powerful act: writing an op-ed in November 2021 addressing her district's deviation from policy to remove books. This pivotal moment ignited a spark, bringing together like-minded individuals to form FFTRP, an organization dedicated to safeguarding every student's right to access information and ideas.

In her role as Director of Research & Insight at FFTRP, Stephana channels her passion for academic freedom and equal access to education into tangible action. For her, the mission goes beyond rhetoric—it's about ensuring that citizens of all ages have the tools to seek out information independently. In a landscape often clouded by punditry and propaganda, Stephana emphasizes the importance of obtaining primary sources through public records. It's through these efforts that FFTRP defends access to high-quality, public education and promotes transparency in governance.

Stephana's dedication to truth and transparency is tireless. As she accepts this award, she humbly acknowledges the collective power we all possess to encourage open government. For Stephana, being an "average concerned citizen" isn't a limitation—it's a badge of honor, symbolizing how grassroots movements drive real change.

Help us honor Bill Bunkley and Stephana Ferrell’s unwavering commitment to freedom of speech, civic engagement, government transparency, and advocacy. Bunkley’s story reminds us that, even in the face of adversity, the fight for our rights remains steadfast. And as we’ve learned from Stephana, together, we can affirm the power of community-driven initiatives and the enduring value of our First Amendment rights.

Remember, our advocacy doesn't end here. For those inspired to take action, we invite you to explore our Banned Books: A Florida Citizen’s Guide to Legal Rights and Pushback and discover how you can become an advocate for freedom and transparency.