As part of the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr./Black History Month Celebration, the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI) and the Office of Community and Civic Engagement (OCCE) are accepting submissions for the Community Champion of Equity and Justice Awards.  

These awards acknowledge a person and an organization advancing equity and justice in the city of Baltimore. The winners will be featured on UMB’s website. Each winner will receive a prize of $300 in person at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month Celebration on Feb. 5, 2026. A prerecorded interview with the winners will be played at the event. 

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must be a resident of Baltimore (if nominated as an individual)
  • Must be registered as an organization in Maryland (if nominated as an organization)
  • Demonstrated active community engagement to advance equity and justice in the city of Baltimore communities

Ineligible:

  • Organizations owned, led, or organized by UMB or agents of UMB acting in an official capacity
  • Current UMB employees and students

Complete the nomination form below. Nominations must be received by close of business on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025.

 

2026 Winners

The Office of Inclusive Excellence and Institutional Effectiveness and the Office of Community and Civic Engagement will honor the 2026 winners at UMB’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Black History Month Celebration on Feb. 5, featuring keynote speaker Chris T. Pernell, MD, MPH, director of the NAACP Center for Health Equity, fellow and regent-at-large at the American College of Preventive Medicine, clinical assistant professor for the Department of Medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, and the founder and CEO of The Esther Group. 

The Community Champions serve as models of the ideals epitomized by the life and work of Dr. King.

Man in suite

2026 Community Champion of Equity and Justice

Rev. Franklin Lance, senior pastor at Mount Lebanon Baptist Church, will accept the 2026 Community Champion of Equity and Justice Award during the University’s Black History Month Celebration on February 5.

Read about Rev. Franklin Lance
Two women next to each other with white background

2026 Community Champion Winner

Robin McKinney, MSW, and Sara Johnson, MSW, co-founders of the CASH Campaign of Maryland, will accept the 2026 Community Champion of Equity and Justice Award on behalf of the organization during the University’s Black History Month Celebration on February 5.

Read about the CASH Campaign of Maryland

Previous Winners

Woman in front of tapestry.

2025 Community Champion of Equity of Justice Award

Baltimore Racial Justice Action received the Community Champion of Equity and Justice Award as part of the University’s Black History Month Celebration on Feb. 6.

Read about Baltimore Racial Justice Action

2025 Community Champion of Equity and Justice

Kevin Ricks, founder and chief executive officer of Lee Lee Kiddz, received the Community Champion of Equity and Justice Award as part of the University’s Black History Month Celebration on Feb. 6.

Read about Kevin Ricks and his work with Lee Lee Kiddz

2024 Community Champion of Equity and Justice

Parity Homes received the Community Champion of Equity and Justice Award as part of the University’s 2024 Black History Month Celebration.

Read about the Parity Homes organization

2024 Community Champion of Equity and Justice

Edith Gilliard-Canty recieved the Community Champion of Equity and Diversity Award as part of the University's 2024 Black History Month Celebration.

Read about Edith Gilliard-Canty's contributions to her community