Montgomery County African American Living Legends Awards

The awards ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 20, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts located at 12901 Town Commons Drive in Germantown . Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich will host the Annual African American Living Legend Awards to honor distinguished individuals who are living legends in Montgomery County. The awards ceremony will be part of the County's 28th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, themed “ Pushing Back — The Fight for Freedom is Not Over”. The 2025 award recipients, all 75 or older, are being honored for their lifelong dedication to service, advocacy and selfless acts of kindness. The public is invited to the awards ceremony. The event is free to attend.

The stories of these six Living Legends are reminders of what real leadership looks like,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “These individuals have helped shape the character of Montgomery County through service, courage and a deep commitment to justice and opportunity. At a time when history is being challenged and rewritten in dangerous ways, it’s more important than ever to lift up the truth of who we are and who we aspire to be. I want to thank each honoree for the work they’ve done and continue to do, and I hope residents across the County will join us in recognizing their contributions and the ongoing fight for freedom and equity.”

"The African American Living Legend Award honorees represent the very best of Montgomery County,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Through decades of service, advocacy and leadership, they have uplifted our communities and helped shape a more just and equitable future. Their contributions are part of the foundation on which we continue to build, and we are proud to honor their legacy."

The 2025 African American Living Legends Award honorees are:

  • James Baker
  • Judi Moore Latta
  • Catherine Matthews
  • Jo Ann Owens
  • Betty Holston Smith
  • Delegate W. Gregory Wims

Nominations

The 2025 Nomination Process is Closed.

To nominate an individual, submit a two-page or less narrative explaining why the nominee should be honored. Include a list of their contributions to the community. Nominations will be evaluated, and the County Executive will determine the final selections.

Nominations can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to:
Montgomery County Office of Human Rights
African American Living Legend Nomination
21 Maryland Avenue, Suite 330
Rockville, MD 20850

Past African American Living Legends Awards Honorees

  • 2024: Dr. Judith Docca, Edgar Dove, Janice Freeman, Roy Priest, Charles Thomas, Jr., and Henry Williams, Sr.
  • 2023: Henry Hailstock, Theresa Henderson, Pauline Johnson, Shelia Ogilvie, Vernon Ricks, Lt Colonel Shelton Ware
  • 2022: Ida Pearl Green, Rosalyn Cain King, Anita Neal, Ambassador Curtis Ward, Alma Lewis Williams.
  • 2021: Elwood Rafael Gray, Sterling King Jr., Willie Mackey King, John Macklin, Hercules Pinkney.
  • 2020: No Event.
  • 2019: Winston A. Anderson, Irene Coleman, Warren Crutchfield, Arva M. Jackson, The Reverend Ruby Reese Moone, Arthur L. Williams.
  • 2018: Sol Graham, Samuel C. Hamilton. Arthur Holmes, Jr., Harvey Ziegler.
  • 2017: Christine Clarke, Wilma K. Holmes, Ruby A. Rubens, Odessa M. Shannon.
  • 2016: Delores Lincoln-Willis.
  • 2015: Irma Ramsey Cuéllar, Marilyn Hughes Gaston, Lorena Elizabeth Mosby.
African American Living Legends Awards.