Learn More About African American Living Legends Award Winners

During the County’s annual Juneteenth celebration last weekend, six people were honored with the “Living Legend Awards” at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown.

The 2025 award recipients were honored for their lifelong dedication in the areas of justice and advocacy, the arts, education, sports, entertainment, public service and other selfless acts of kindness. They are:

James Baker. A lifelong resident of Montgomery County and pillar of the Rockville community, James Baker has devoted nearly a century to service, mentorship and civic engagement. Born and raised in the historic African American neighborhood of Lincoln Park, he graduated from Lincoln High School in 1945 and soon after earned a World War II Victory Medal for his service in the U.S. Army. A dedicated NIH lab technician for over 40 years, Mr. Baker contributed to groundbreaking research, including the development of the polio vaccine. In the postwar years, he was a cab driver for the Black-owned Hitman’s Cab Company and a baseball player with the Legionnaires, a local Negro League team. Alongside his beloved wife Lillian, he became a surrogate parent to many, warmly known as “Uncle Son” and “Aunt Lillian.” Mr. Baker co-founded the Black Angels Boys Club, volunteered with numerous homeless shelters and social service organizations and served on the Montgomery County Community Development Citizens Advisory Committee. A faithful church member and longtime trustee of Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church, he remained committed to youth and education, even working as a bus companion for students with disabilities well into his 90s. Now 98, James Baker’s life of quiet leadership and unwavering generosity embodies the spirit of a true Living Legend.

Judi Moore Latta. A trailblazer in communications, academia and public media, Dr. Judi Moore Latta has dedicated her life to education, advocacy and storytelling. An award-winning journalist, Dr. Latta helped shape national conversations through her work with WETA-TV/FM, WUSA-TV and WRC-TV. At NPR, she pioneered coverage as its first education reporter, created the network’s first Hispanic daily news program Latin File and produced the Peabody Award-winning series Wade in the Water: African American Sacred Music Traditions. A longtime faculty member at Howard University, she served as professor, department chair and executive director of communications, becoming the first woman to lead WHUT-TV as interim general manager. A resident of Silver Spring, Dr. Latta volunteers locally and nationally in partnership with private and public organizations focused on marginalized communities. She is a co-founder of the two-decades old Girls Rites of Passage Program, a program of the Potomac Valley Section of the National Council of Negro Women based in Silver Spring. She continues as a member of the Council of Elders. A member of the Olive Branch Community Church in Olney Sandy Spring, Dr. Latta serves on several ministries and co-chairs the African American History and Culture ministry.

Catherine Matthews. A lifelong Montgomery County resident and devoted public servant, Catherine “Cathy” Matthews has spent nearly 50 years shaping local government and building stronger, more inclusive communities. Beginning her career in 1973 with the Department of Recreation, she rose through the ranks to become director of the Upper County Regional Office, where for two decades she championed community-centered service and regional development. Her leadership helped shape the growth of Germantown and Clarksburg through initiatives like the Germantown town center development, the Destination Germantown Initiative and the Germantown Youth Collaboratory. Beyond government, Cathy served on the board of the BlackRock Center for the Arts for 20 years and held leadership roles in the private sector, co-founding a firm supporting minority-owned businesses. Even in retirement, she continues to serve with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, Leadership Montgomery and the Montgomery Parks Foundation.

Jo Ann Owens. A lifelong Montgomery County resident and multigenerational community leader, Jo Ann Owens has spent her life uplifting others through faith, education and compassionate service. Raised in the historic Quince Orchard and KenGar neighborhoods, she devoted over 27 years to Montgomery County Public Schools, earning multiple commendations—including the Superintendent’s Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award—for her exceptional leadership and commitment. In 2013, the City of Gaithersburg honored her legacy with a proclamation of “Jo Ann Owens Day.” Deeply rooted in her faith, she has served the First Baptist Church of KenGar for decades through roles on the Ushers Board, Hospitality Committee and as lead decorator for major services. Her tireless volunteerism includes mentoring students through the Everybody Wins! literacy program, delivering food with Germantown HELP, and supporting at-risk youth through Lead4Life, Inc. Her joyful presence has graced local cultural events like BlackRock’s performances and Gaithersburg’s Jubilation Day Gospel Concert.

Betty Holston Smith. A fierce advocate for natural living and lifelong fitness, Dr. Betty Smith has redefined what it means to age with strength, grace and vitality. At 84, she continues to run 60 to 100 miles per week, powered by a plant-based, junk food–free lifestyle and a deep connection to nature. A longtime Montgomery County resident, Dr. Smith is an organic vegan, marathoner, ultra-marathoner, deep-water running instructor and Tai Chi martial artist with more than four decades of practice. She has completed more than 93 marathons across all seven continents and over 30 ultra-marathons since 2007. A coach with the Montgomery County Road Runners Club and an advocate for youth fitness, she volunteers at children’s runs and continues to inspire runners of all ages. From breaking U.S. Track & Field age group records to celebrating her 81st birthday by running 81 miles through the night, Dr. Smith is a living testament to the power of discipline, nature and movement. Her book “Lifestyle by Nature” captures her philosophy and the transformative impact of her six-step lifestyle formula.

Delegate W. Gregory Wims. A sixth-generation Montgomery County native, Delegate Greg Wims has spent more than five decades advancing civil rights, public service and community empowerment. Raised in the historic Stewart Town community, his early experiences shaped a life dedicated to lifting others. He broke barriers as the first male Head Start teacher in Montgomery County and the county's first African American legislative assistant to serve in Congress. A lifelong advocate, he founded the Victims’ Rights Foundation, which has raised over $1 million for survivors of violent crime, including families affected by the 2002 sniper attacks. Delegate Wims has served on more than 40 nonprofit boards and held leadership roles in the NAACP at the county and state levels. His government work has focused on youth development, minority business advancement and civic engagement. Now representing District 39 in the Maryland House of Delegates, he continues to be a powerful voice for justice, equity and opportunity. His legacy is one of unwavering service and an enduring commitment to the people of Montgomery County.

 
James Stowe, director of the County’s Office of Human Rights, hosted the awards ceremony, which you can watch here. You can find pictures from the ceremony on the County's Flickr page.

‘Juneteenth’ Will Be Recognized in Many Ways and With Numerous Celebrations, Most on the Official Holiday Wednesday, June 19

Montgomery County will again celebrate “Juneteenth” in a big way, with many events. The Federal and County governments recognize Wednesday, June 19, as the official holiday. However, the County celebration will include events on Friday, June 14, and Saturday, June 15, in Germantown. The holiday honors June 19, 1865—the day Union soldiers arrived to take control of Texas and enforce the emancipation of slaves in the state.

Juneteenth has been a Federal holiday in the U.S. since 2021. However, the day's official status and how it is celebrated differs from state to state.

Slavery in the U.S. can be traced back to the 16th Century when Spanish explorers brought African slaves with them to the New World. The Emancipation Proclamation, which came into effect on Jan. 1, 1863, declared slavery to be over in states in rebellion with the U.S. On that date, Texas was largely controlled by forces fighting for the Confederate States, which opposed the abolition of slavery.

On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived to take control of Texas and enforce the emancipation of slaves in the state. In Galveston, Tx., the newly freed slaves held large public celebrations and so laid the base for future Juneteenth activities. The word “Juneteenth” resulted from the words 'June Nineteenth' being combined together in speech.

Maryland outlawed slavery in 1864. The 13th amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery in the U.S. It was passed in 1865. 

The Montgomery County events celebrating Juneteenth will include:

• African American “Living Legend Awards.” Friday, June 14. 7 p.m. BlackRock Center for the Arts. 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown. Montgomery County will present “Living Legend Awards” to six African American community leaders. County Executive Marc Elrich will host the awards ceremony, which will be part of the County’s 27th Annual Juneteenth celebration, which this year has a theme of “Celebrating Freedom at the Rock: Forever Unshackled.” The 2024 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 honorees are Dr. Judith Docca, Edgar E. Dove, Sr., Janice Freeman, Roy Priest, Charles G. Thomas, Jr.. and Henry L. Williams, Sr.
• Montgomery County’s 27th Juneteenth Celebration: Freedom at the Rock. Saturday, June 15. Noon-10 p.m. BlackRock Center for the Arts. 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown. Celebration will include concerts and performances, a bustling artisans market showcasing unique handmade goods and food from local vendors. Parking near the BlackRock Center is limited. Offsite parking: Shuttle buses will be traveling regularly from Kingsview Middle School, located at 18909 Kingsview Middle Road in Germantown, from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (NOTE: Towing will be enforced in the Safeway parking lot.). Event is free, but there are costs for purchasing food and beverages.
• Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival Opening Night Celebration. Saturday, June 15. 5 -10 p.m. Bethesda Theater, 7719 Wisconsin Avenue Bethesda. Celebrate the VIP kickoff of the County’s premiere Black cultural event. The show kicks off with America’s Got Talent sensation Kelvin Dukes, followed by Daryl Davis’ second-annual tribute to the Du-Drop Inn of Emory Grove, featuring blues icon Jenny Langer on lead vocals. Festivities will include a dance contest, a best-dressed contest and then dancing to the sounds of the Chuck Brown Band. Doors open at 5 p.m. Showtime is 7-10 p.m. Table seats $100. Theater Seats $60. Tickets do not include food and beverage. More information is available at Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival Opening Night Celebration Tickets, Sat, Jun 15, 2024 at 5:00 PM | Eventbrite.
• Kensington’s Third Annual Juneteenth Celebration. Saturday, June 15. Noon-4 p.m. St. Paul Park, 10564 St. Paul St., Kensington. A family friendly event with activities for all ages will bring together a multiracial coalition of organizers, historians, re-enactors, civic and faith leaders, local and Black-owned businesses and musicians. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. More information available at https://tok.md.gov/event/kensingtons-3rd-annual-juneteenth-celebration/. Free.
• The Annual Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival and Children's Carnival. Wednesday, June 19. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. festival. Cabin John Regional Park, 7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda. Cabin John Regional Park will be alive with a children’s carnival, food court, Juneteenth parade and petting zoo. Montgomery Parks co-sponsors the event. More details are available at Juneteenth Scotland. Admission $5.
• Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival 5K Road Race and Family 1-Mile Run. Wednesday, June 19. 8 a.m. Staged at Bells Mill Elementary, 8225 Bells Mill Road
• Potomac. Road race will traverse the historic Black neighborhood of Scotland, including the 100-year-old Scotland AME Zion Church on Seven Locks Road in Potomac. Road race entry fee $38. Family 1-Mile Walk fee is $20. More information, including registration, can be found at Scotland Juneteenth 5K (runsignup.com).
• Scotland Heritage Festival Fireworks. Shirley Povich Field at Cabin John Regional Park, 10600 Westlake Drive, Bethesda. 9:45 p.m. This will be the first time in County history that there will be fireworks as part of the Juneteenth celebration.
• Josiah Henson Museum and Park Family Day. 11410 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda. Wednesday, June 19. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Parking available at nearby Wall Local Park, 5900 Executive Blvd., North Bethesda. Celebrate Juneteenth by visiting the museum dedicated to abolitionist Josiah Henson. Henson was born into slavery in Maryland and eventually escaped to freedom in Canada. Once free, he served as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, helping others to freedom. The Josiah Henson Museum and Park is on the site of a plantation where Henson was once held in bondage. Self-guided tours and hands-on displays help visitors experience Henson’s story in his own words. Adult admission: $5. Seniors (55-and-over) and children (ages 6-17): $4. Tickets are available onsite.
• Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park. 16501 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring. Wednesday, June 19. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit the Woodlawn Museum to learn about Montgomery County’s agricultural history, enslaved and free Black communities and the Quaker experience. The museum, located in a historic stone barn, features three floors of self-guided tours. The Underground Railroad Experience Trail will be available for self-guided walking tours. Adult admission: $5. Seniors (55-and-over) and children (6-17): $4. (Woodlawn Manor House will be closed). Tickets available onsite.
• Bethesda Big Train Third Annual Clarence “Pint” Isreal Juneteenth Classic. Wednesday, June 19. 7 p.m. (Gates open at 6 p.m.) Shirley Povich Field Cabin John Regional Park, 10600 Westlake Drive, Bethesda. Big Train baseball of college-age players hosts the Gaithersburg. Pint Isreal baseball cards will be distributed to first 500 fans. Game honors the man who played for Newark Eagles and Homestead Grays in Negro League baseball between 1940 and 1947. He died in Rockville in 1987. Memorabilia will be on display from the Hubert V. Simmons Museum of Negro Leagues Baseball. Register in advance for 4 p.m. youth baseball and softball clinic at Field No. 2. Tickets $5 for bleacher seats and standing room. More information is available at https://www.bigtrain.org/home.

 

Six African American Community Leaders Will Be Honored with ‘Living Legend Awards’ During 27th Juneteenth Celebration, Friday, June 14, and Saturday, June 15

Montgomery County will present “Living Legend Awards” to six African American community leaders at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 14, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown. County Executive Marc Elrich will host the awards ceremony, part of the County’s 27th Annual Juneteenth celebration, which this year has a theme of “Celebrating Freedom at the Rock: Forever Unshackled.”

The 2024 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 award ceremony. The event is free to attend.

The honorees are Dr. Judith Docca, Eddie Dove, Janice Freeman, Roy Priest, Charles “Charlie Buck” Thomas, Jr., and Henry Williams, Sr.

The Juneteenth celebration, which includes various cultural and community events, continues from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, also at the BlackRock Center, which is located at 12901 Town Commons Drive in Germantown.

“Each of the six honorees has made service and advocacy an integral part of their lives, enriching and preserving the cultural heritage of the African American Community in Montgomery County,” said County Executive Elrich. “Their contributions have profoundly benefited our community, leaving an indelible mark on our shared history and future.”

Details about the award recipients:

• Dr. Judith Docca. She has dedicated her career to advocating for education and civil rights, spending 38 years with Montgomery County Public Schools in roles ranging from teacher to principal. Elected to four terms on the Montgomery County Board of Education, she chaired the communications and public engagement committee and served on the special populations committee. Dr. Docca has been active in the Montgomery County NAACP, the Lincoln Park Historical Foundation and numerous educational associations. She was pivotal in saving Montgomery County's Head Start program and has been inducted into the County Human and Civil Rights Hall of Fame. Recently, she was appointed to the Montgomery College Board of Trustees by Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
• Eddie Dove. Born in 1935 in the Scotland Community of Potomac, he has spent his life preserving and advocating for his birthplace. His leadership in the "Save Our Scotland" campaign in the 1960s was crucial in protecting the community from eradication. Beyond activism, he was a celebrated third baseman for the Scotland Eagles, embodying resilience and camaraderie. As a Montgomery County Public School bus driver for over four decades, his dedication to safety and well-being endeared him to the community.
• Janice Freeman. Deeply involved in civil rights, business, housing and community nonprofits, she has worked at the local, State and Federal levels. Growing up in a segregated community in Greensboro, N.C., she participated in pivotal civil rights protests, including the Woolworth sit-ins. In Maryland, she worked with the Black-owned OAO Corporation and co-founded a successful computer engineering company. As a minority business leader, she founded JM Freeman Enterprise, a real estate brokerage, and co-founded Montgomery County’s first African American Chamber of Commerce. She has served on numerous boards and remains an active community advocate.
• Roy Priest. The chair of the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County, he has dedicated five decades to advocating for affordable housing and enhancing community services. He was executive director and CEO of the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority, leading significant housing redevelopment projects and community programs. His career includes leadership roles at the National Congress for Community Economic Development and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, where he administered critical economic development programs.
• Charles “Charlie Buck” Thomas, Jr. Born June 5, 1945, he is a sixth-generation Sandy Spring resident and the son of one of Montgomery County’s first African American entrepreneurs. Inspired by his father's perseverance, Charlie Buck took over and successfully ran Charles Thomas Refuse for 56 years, employing and mentoring many local residents. He has led the Male Mentoring Program at Hopkins United Methodist Church and actively helps maintain the historic African American Mutual Memorial Cemetery. An avid sports fan and former athlete, he played a significant role in fostering racial relations during the integration of Sherwood High School in Sandy Spring.
• Henry Williams, Sr. An active participant in several community groups, he served as chair and co-chair of the African American Advisory Group to former County Executive Doug Duncan, addressing the needs and concerns of the African American community. He is a past president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference) Montgomery County Chapter (14 years) and the National Pan Hellenic Council of Montgomery County, representing more than 200,000 residents. He is a member of the Montgomery County chapter of the NAACP and a lifetime member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. For more than 40 years, he has been a dedicated member of the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, where he is currently active in the Usher Board and Seasoned Saints Ministries.

Visit the Office of Human Rights website to view the list of past African American Living Legends Award recipients.

The County Executive’s African American Advisory Group and the Office of Human Rights sponsor the Living Legends Awards ceremony.

Nominations Due by Saturday, June 1, for African American Living Legends Awards to be Presented During Juneteenth Celebration

Montgomery County is seeking nominations for its African American Living Legends Awards that honor individuals who are 75 or older and have dedicated their lives to service, advocacy and selfless acts of kindness. The awards ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 14, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich will host the awards presentation. Nominations must be submitted by Saturday, June 1.

The awards ceremony will be part of the County’s 27th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, themed “Celebrating Freedom at the Rock: Forever Unshackled.” The community celebration will be from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, also at the BlackRock Center, which is located at 12901 Town Commons Drive in Germantown.

“Recognizing living legends within our County is more than just honoring individuals. It is about celebrating the resilience, achievements and contributions of those who have helped shape the cultural heritage of the African American community,” said County Executive Elrich. “These distinguished figures serve as beacons of inspiration, reminding us of our shared history and the ongoing journey toward equity, justice and progress. By acknowledging their impact, we honor their African American legacy and reaffirm our commitment to fostering a community where everyone’s story is valued and uplifted.”

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 james.stowe@montgomerycountymd.gov or mailed to Montgomery County Office of Human Rights, African American Living Legend Nomination, 21 Maryland Ave., Suite 330, Rockville, MD 20850.

For more information, visit the Office of Human Rights website.

Past honorees of the African American Living Legends Awards include:

• 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.

Montgomery County Holiday Schedule for Juneteenth on Monday, June 19

The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have schedule and program changes for Juneteenth on Monday, June 19.

• County offices—Closed.
• MC 311—Closed.
• State offices and courts—Closed.
• State Motor Vehicle Administration offices and Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program stations—Closed.
• Libraries— Closed Sunday, June 18, and Monday, June 19.
• Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS)—All stores open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• County-operated COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Clinics—Closed. (The County no longer is operating PCR testing clinics.) Vaccine clinics will be closed on June 19.
• Department of Permitting Services—All offices, including the customer service lobby, will be closed.
• Ride On, Ride On extRa, and Ride On Flex — Will operate a Holiday schedule.
• Flash—Orange Line will operate on a Weekend and Holiday schedule. The Blue Line – Not in service.
• Ride On Transit Services—All holiday schedules can be found at Special Holiday Schedules - Division of Transit Services - Montgomery County, Maryland (montgomerycountymd.gov).
• MARC Train—Sunday service schedule on the Penn Line only. No Camden or Brunswick Line service
• TRiPS Silver Spring commuter store—Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• TRiPS Mobile Commuter Store—Closed.
• Metrobus—Will operate on the Saturday Supplemental schedule. See https://www.wmata.com/schedules/timetables/.
• Metrorail—Will operate on a Saturday Holiday schedule, with trains running from 5 a.m.-midnight. See https://www.wmata.com/schedules/timetables/.
• Public Parking Garages, Lots, Curbside Meters—Free.
• County-provided trash and recycling collections are postponed on Monday. Collections will slide one day later than usual throughout the week, with the last pickup on Saturday, June 24.
• The Shady Grove Transfer Station and Recycling Center—Closed.
• Aquatic Centers— County outdoor aquatic facilities will be open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 3-6 p.m. Indoor aquatic facilities will close at 6 p.m.
• Community Recreation Centers—Closed.
• Senior Centers—Closed.

Montgomery Parks—Visit www.MontgomeryParks.org for complete information. Additional information:

• Open Parkways schedule: The Open Parkways program will be extended during the Juneteenth holiday weekend. During this time, parkways are open to pedestrians and bicyclists and closed to motor vehicles. Beach Drive between Connecticut and Knowles Avenue (2.9 miles): Saturday, June 17, at 7 a.m. until Monday, June 19, at 6 p.m. Sligo Creek Parkway between Old Carroll Avenue and Piney Branch Road and between Forest Glen Road and University Boulevard West: Friday, June 16, at 9 a.m. until Monday, June 19 at 6 p.m. Little Falls Parkway between Arlington Road and Dorset Avenue (0.4 miles): Open 24/7 for recreation and exercise.
• Open Juneteenth Weekend: The following is a sampling of facilities that are open during the holiday weekend. Parks, trails, gardens, playgrounds, dog parks, skate parks, outdoor exercise stations, and outdoor tennis/pickleball and basketball courts* are open daily from sunrise to sunset. (*Select outdoor courts are available to permit.)
• The in-line hockey rink at Ridge Road Recreational Park and street hockey/futsal rink at Dewey Local Park may be permitted, or are available first-come, first-serve if not reserved.
• Picnic shelters and campfire rings are available for rental at several locations.  
• Wheaton Indoor Tennis and Pauline Betz Addie Tennis Center.
• Little Bennett Campground. 
• Cabin John Miniature Train (11 a.m.‒3 p.m.) and Wheaton Miniature Train and Carousel (10 a.m. ‒ 6 p.m.).
• South Germantown Driving Range.
• Brookside Gardens grounds open daily sunrise-sunset; Visitor Center open daily 9 a.m.‒5 p.m.; Conservatory open daily 10 a.m.‒5 p.m.
• The following facilities will be closed on Juneteenth, Monday, June 19:
• Montgomery Parks headquarters and permits offices.
• Montgomery Parks customer service office.
• South Germantown Splash Park and Mini Golf.
• South Germantown driving range.
• Black Hill boats and Lake Needwood boats.
• Indoor nature facilities: Brookside Nature Center, Locust Grove Nature Center, Black Hill Visitor Center/Nature Programs. Trails and outdoor nature play areas remain open sunrise to sunset.  Meadowside Nature Center is undergoing building and meadow renovations. However, programs are continuing through the project. Trails and nature play areas remain open sunrise to sunset.

Six Community Leaders to be Honored with ‘African American Living Legend Awards’ on Friday, June 16, at BlackRock Center in Germantown

Montgomery County’s 26th Juneteenth Celebration, themed “Journey to Freedom . . . Memorialize the Struggle, Celebrate the Successes and Secure the Justice and Equality,” will kick off at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 16, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown when Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich presents “African American Living Legend Awards” to six County residents. This year’s honorees are Henry Hailstock, Jr., Rev. Theresa M. Henderson, Pauline G. Johnson, Sheila G. Ogilvie, Vernon H. Ricks, Jr. and Lt. Colonel Shelton (Ivan) Ware.

The Juneteenth celebration will continue at BlackRock with activities from noon-10 p.m. on Saturday, June 17. The BlackRock Center is located at 12901 Town Commons Dr. in Germantown.

The public is invited to the award ceremonies. The event is free to attend.

The African American Living Legend Awards honor distinguished individuals who have helped shape the cultural heritage of the African American community. The 2023 awards will be presented to six individuals who have dedicated their lives to service, advocacy and selfless acts of kindness to their community.

Award recipients include:

• Henry Hailstock, Jr. A resident of Montgomery County for more than 44 years, the Washington, D.C., native is a U. S. Army veteran and a former NFL offensive lineman. He is a lifetime member of the NAACP and is a former president of the Montgomery County chapter. He has served on the advisory board for the Universities at Shady Grove, is a lifetime member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and is a member of the Montgomery County Pan Hellenic Council. He served as chair of the Kappa Youth and Community Foundation, which provides scholarships and support to numerous aspiring college students. A longtime employee of Giant Foods, he was the employment manager for the Mid-Atlantic Region and was later promoted to a newly created role of minority affairs manager, a position that gave him greater ability to impact lives in the region. Mr. Hailstock has previously been honored as a member of the Montgomery County Human Rights Commission Hall of Fame.
• Rev. Theresa M. Henderson. A daughter of Clayton Matthews, a pitcher for the Baltimore Black Sox Negro League team, and Geneva McKinney, Rev. Henderson is a mother of six and also helped raise her husband’s three siblings when they lost their mother at a young age. Now a Derwood resident with her husband, Roy, their home has been a refuge for any child or adult in need. In 1983, Rev. Henderson took a job as a Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) bus operator and became president of the MCPS Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Department of Transportation. In her 60s, Rev. Henderson began her life of ministry. She is the pastor of the Light of Faith Non-Denominational Church in Derwood.
• Pauline G. Johnson. A resident for Montgomery County for more than 50 years, Ms. Johnson recently celebrated her 86th birthday. Throughout her life, she has been a continuous advocate for voter registration and civic engagement. She has organized registrar trainings and often can be found at the Wheaton Library or other community events staffing a voter registration table. She has served on the County Commission for Women and the County Commission for Landlord Tenant Affairs. She assisted with a symposium for African American parents to address disparate treatment of children in Montgomery County Public Schools. As president of the Rollingwood Apartments Tenants Association, she led the effort to negotiate with the landlord to restrict rent increases. Ms. Johnson worked as an attorney for the U.S. Agency for International Development for three decades. During her employment, she traveled worldwide. She was posted to Kenya from September 1997 to March 2002. She survived the U.S. Embassy bombing in 1998.
• Sheila G. Ogilvie. Retired after 25 years with the U.S. Treasury Department Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Silver Spring resident is currently the producer and host of “Transforming Lives — Giving Back to the Community.” It is a weekly program broadcasted on Montgomery Community Media and local cable channels that spotlights individuals, companies and charities that work to improve the quality of life for residents. Ms. Ogilvie is a charter member and past president of the Potomac Valley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and past president and board member of the PVAC Fund. She has served on the boards of the National Capital Area Alzheimer’s Association and the Business Advisory Council of the Marriott Foundation’s Bridges from School to Work Program — a nonprofit organization that trains and finds employment for youth with disabilities.
• Vernon H. Ricks, Jr. A third generation Washingtonian, he attended D.C. public schools and was a member of the first class to integrate and graduate from McKinley Technical High School after the 1954 Brown v. The Board of Education Supreme Court decision. After serving in the Air Force and working in the field of electronics, he was hired by Xerox Corporation, where he retired after 33 years. At Xerox, he was recruited to work with a team to develop the company’s affirmative action program. He became the first African American to hold a municipal office in Montgomery County when he was elected as a Councilmember, and later became and Mayor Pro-tem, of the City of Takoma Park from 1972-82. Mr. Ricks also has served on the boards of directors of the National League of Cities and the Maryland Municipal League. He met with Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Regan on matters affecting the nation’s cities. This Potomac resident was selected to the Montgomery County Human Rights Commission’s Hall of Fame and has been honored with the Maryland State NAACP Hall of Fame Award, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Community Service Award and the 2022 Epic Trailblazer Award.
• Lt. Colonel Shelton (Ivan) Ware, USAF, Ret. In January, Lt. Colonel Ware celebrated his 100th birthday. His amazing career includes being on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, on July 3, 1944, as part of the D-Day invasion. His unit “kept the wheels rolling and the guns firing” as part of the renowned Red Ball Express. After the end of World War II, he served another six months of occupation duty in Munich, Germany. He earned service stars for the Battle of Normandy and the Battle of Northern France. After returning to the U.S., he graduated from Howard University and remained in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program. His career included a year as commander with the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) Minuteman Missile Education Program (MMEP) at Malmstrom AFB (Mont.) and as director of all six MMEP detachments. He retired from the Air Force in 1974 after 30 years of service. Lt. Colonel Ware is a charter member of the East Coast Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. He served three terms as the organization’s director. He was recently honored with the creation of the ECCTAI Lt. Col. (Ret) Ivan Ware ROTC Award, which will be presented to deserving cadets from Howard University, Bowie State University and University of Maryland.

For more information regarding the event, contact James Stowe, director of the County’s Office of Human Rights, at 240-888-5502.

Prior recipients of the African American Living Legends Awards:

• 2022: Ida Pearl Green, Rosalyn Cain King, Curtis Anthony Ward, Anita Neal, Alma Lewis Williams
• 2021: Elwood Gray, Sterling King, Jr., Willie Pearl Mackey King, John Macklin, Hercules Pinkney
• 2020: No program due to COVID-19
• 2019: Winston A. Anderson, Irene Coleman, Warren Crutchfield, Arva M. Jackson, Arthur L. Williams, Ruby Reese Moone
• 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 Cuellar, Marilyn Hughes Gaston, Lorraine Elizabeth Mosby