1 of 6
Photo Credit: Alijah Jones, Office of the County Executive
2 of 6
Photo Credit: Alijah Jones, Office of the County Executive
3 of 6
Photo Credit: Alijah Jones, Office of the County Executive
4 of 6
Photo Credit: Alijah Jones, Office of the County Executive
5 of 6
Photo Credit: Alijah Jones, Office of the County Executive
6 of 6
Photo Credit: Alijah Jones, Office of the County Executive
Annapolis, MD – On March 31, Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman joined the Caucus of African American Leaders at Maryland Hall to honor a cohort of community pioneers. The ceremony, marking a milestone in the final year of the Pittman Administration, combined the "Few of the Many" and "Michelle Obama Awards" to celebrate leaders whose work has advanced equity, inclusion, and public service across the county.
“Throughout history, leaders have stepped up with the vision and courage required to move us forward in challenging times," said County Executive Steuart Pittman. "The leaders we honored Tuesday night are doing exactly that. They have helped us to make real progress in making Anne Arundel County The Best Place For All. I look forward to finishing what we started together and continuing our fight for justice.”
“It has been an honor to serve on the planning committee for these events over the past six years, recognizing people who show up for our community every day, often without recognition,” said Vincent Moulden, Director of Community Engagement & Constituent Services. “It’s a privilege to do this work alongside a team dedicated to serving the residents of this county.”
A primary highlight of the evening was a special presentation to Caucus Convener Carl Snowden, who was honored with the "Legacy Keeper" award. This distinction recognizes his decades of advocacy and transformative service to the residents of Anne Arundel County.
The event featured a keynote address by Gloria Dent, President of the Anne Arundel County Public Schools Board of Education, and a stirring musical performance by David Stansbury. Distinguished speakers in attendance included Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth, Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk, Senator Shaneka Henson, Mayor Jared Littmann, and County Council Vice Chair Pete Smith.
2026 Award Recipients
The Few of the Many Awards honors African American leaders whose contributions have strengthened the county:
- Chief Amal E. Awad
- Dr. Mark T. Bedell
- Eric Brown
- Ruby Singleton Blakeney
- Michael Bertty II
- Kare Coley
- Ald. Diesha Contee
- Colonel Yolanda D. Gore
- Chauncey A. Hall
- Robert Horne
- Carroll H. Hynson Jr.
- Coren Eve Makell
- Michelle H. Pittman
- George J. Trotter
- Deonte “Dee” Ward
- Namond E. Williams
The Michelle Obama Awards recognize women who exemplify the former First Lady’s commitment to education, health, and social consciousness:
- Ald. Janice E. Allsup-Johnson
- Renetra Anderson
- Nitchel S. Bastien, DMD
- Elizabeth W. Brush
- Courtney L. Buiniskis
- Deborah Chin, CAE
- Calynn Evans
- Kimberly M. Golder
- Rachel S. Griffin
- Dr. Sandra Bratton Mayo
- Ana Milena Olaciregui
- Jennifer Pastrone
- Sandra Añez Powell
- Honorable Stacey Scott
The combined program reflected the county’s ongoing commitment to honoring leadership across all communities and served as a powerful capstone to the administration’s signature Black History Month and Women’s History Month celebrations.
To learn more about the event and to read the short bios of the honorees, visit aacounty.org/awards.
