2026 Annual Civil Rights Gala Recap

Thank You & See You Next Year!

Dear Friends & Supporters,

What an incredible evening of purpose, partnership, and celebration at the 2026 Maryland Commission on Civil Rights & MCCR Foundation Annual Civil Rights Gala on Saturday, September 26, 2026 ✨

Under the theme “Healing Our Communities, Honoring Our Humanity,” we gathered leaders, advocates, partners, community members, and supporters to celebrate the people and organizations helping advance civil rights, equity, and inclusion across Maryland.

Saturday evening was about more than a gala. It was about community. It was about recognition. It was about impact. And it was about the power of coming together.

Our mistress of ceremonies, Janay Reece brought warmth, energy, and professionalism to the evening as our emcee, helping make the 2026 MCCR & MCCR Foundation Civil Rights Gala a truly memorable celebration. We were honored to welcome Roland Martin as our keynote speaker and to celebrate individuals whose leadership and service exemplify the spirit of civil rights advocacy.

We also celebrated our inaugural Justice in Action Scholarship recipients, Audree and Nicole, as we invest in the next generation of leaders committed to civic engagement and creating positive change in their communities.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped bring this special evening to life — our MCCR team, MCCR Foundation Board, partners, presenters, honorees, vendors, volunteers and every guest who showed up to support this important work.

Thank you to our sponsors, SECU Credit Union, NAR (National Association of Realtors), Maryland Realtors, GBBR (Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors), Baltimore County, ABC (Associated Black Charities), NFM Lending, Maryland Department of Disabilities, Comptroller of Maryland, and The Cordish Companies.

Civil rights work reminds us that none of us move forward alone. Progress requires
partnership, courage, education, advocacy, and a commitment to seeing the humanity in
one another.

Healing our communities requires us to honor our humanity.

What a privilege it was to celebrate this work alongside so many people who continue to make a difference.

And this is only the beginning. ❤️

#MCCR #MCCRFoundation #CivilRightsGala #HealingOurCommunities
#HonoringOurHumanity #CivilRights #Maryland #CommunityImpact #JusticeInAction
#Equity #Inclusion #Leadership

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2026 Annual Civil Rights Gala Award Nominees

2026 Annual Civil Rights Gala: Glendora C. Hughes Award Nominees

Thank you to our Glendora C. Hughes Award Nominees for carrying forward the enduring work of civil rights through advocacy, service, and a commitment to ensuring that every person is seen, heard, valued, and afforded the dignity and protections they deserve:

-Sonia Kumar
-Dr. Jocelyn Gainers
-Samira Mohammad Hussein
-Charles E. Sydnor III
-Willie Pearl Mackey King

2026 Annual Civil Rights Gala: Community Impact Award Agency Nominees

Thank you to our Community Impact Award Agency Nominees for your steadfast commitment to building more equitable systems, advancing justice, and creating meaningful pathways for individuals and communities to exercise their rights and thrive:

-FreeState Justice
-Social Justice Alliance
-Baltimore Teacher's Network
-The StoreHouse

2026 Annual Civil Rights Gala: Community Impact Individual Award Nominees

Thank you to our Community Impact Award Individual Nominees for your courageous commitment to advancing civil rights, expanding opportunity, and strengthening the dignity and freedom of communities across Maryland and beyond:

-Dominique Sessa
-Jordan D. Howlette
-Chrissy Thornton
-Mukta Bain