ANNAPOLIS, MD – Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford today joined the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism in hosting the Second Annual Black History Month Community Leaders Awards. The annual awards ceremony, established in celebration of Black History Month, recognizes Maryland-based African American-founded organizations that provide exceptional volunteer service to improve Maryland communities. Ten organizations received the honor during a ceremony at the Banneker-Douglass Museum in Annapolis, Maryland’s official museum of African American history, heritage, and culture.
“Our award recipients here today represent the dedication of our African American communities to serving others and leaving a better world for future generations,” said Lt. Governor Rutherford. “From mentoring boys and girls and providing opportunities for them to thrive, to skills training and workforce development for low-income or formerly incarcerated men and women, you are doing the work we must do to ensure our futures.”
Selection for the Black History Month Community Leaders Awards was based on nominations received that described the highest degree of volunteer commitment and service including work that makes a transformative impact in the community. The following organizations were selected as recipients of the awards:
480 Club LLC (Montgomery County) serves students at two local school-based health wellness centers through social-emotional case management and curriculum-based programming. The organization also provides an after-school recreation program at local elementary and middle schools.
boys 2 MEN (Harford County) is a multicultural mentoring program for boys in grades 5 through 8, which focuses on academic excellence, character development, collaborative sports, and service through the support of male mentors.
BROTHERS (Brothers Reaching Out to Help Each Reach Success) (Montgomery County) was founded 30 years ago as a mentoring program for underserved male high school students. Through the program, the young men each dedicate hundreds of hours annually to serve the local community.
Concerned Black Women of Calvert County (Calvert County) was established to address the education, health, economic empowerment, and overall well-being of African American women and families.
The Extraordinary League of Gentlemen, Inc. (Calvert, Caroline, Charles, Dorchester, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties) was created to establish a network of volunteers dedicated to providing essential resources to underserved communities with a focus on the Lower Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland.
The Joel Gamble Foundation (Baltimore City and County) strives to create a space where all children have the resources, knowledge, opportunities, and desire to achieve their full potential.
The Lazarus Rite, Inc. (Baltimore City and surrounding region) provides formerly incarcerated men and women with re-entry, workforce development, skill certification programs, and a healthy network to help them achieve sustainable employment and reduce recidivism.
Pi Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (statewide) hosts several programs to serve those in need including a male mentoring program, Thanksgiving meals for homeless individuals, bicycle donations for kids, and more.
Rob’s Barbershop Community Foundation (statewide) installs volunteer-run barber shops and beauty salons in community agencies and schools to serve low-income youth and adults unable to afford regular grooming services.
Roberta’s House (Baltimore City, Prince George’s County) offers a comprehensive bereavement support program to heal the “hearts and minds” of children and teens along with their families.
