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.

 

Fill out my online form.

2025 Winners

The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and the Office of Community and Civic Engagement honored the 2025 winners at UMB’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr./Black History Month Celebration on Feb. 6, featuring keynote speaker Darrick Hamilton, PhD, Henry Cohen Professor of Economics and Urban Policy and founding director of the Institute on Race, Power, and Political Economy at The New School.

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

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
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

Thank you to the committee members who assisted with the selection process:

Bill Joyner, JD, MSW
Katie Hughes, BA
Brian Sturdivant, MSW
Reetta Gach, MS, MBA

Previous Winners

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