Montgomery County will honor six African American community leaders with the “Living Legend Awards” at 7 p.m on Friday, June 14, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown. This event is part of the County’s 27th Annual Juneteenth celebration themed “Celebrating Freedom at the Rock: Forever Unshackled” and will be hosted by County Executive Marc Elrich.
The award ceremony is open to the public and free to attend,
This year’s recipients, all over the age of 75, are being recognized for their unwavering commitment and profound contributions to improving the community.
“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 Elrich.
Here are the six recipients:
- Dr. Judith Docca, dedicated 38 years to Montgomery County Public Schools, saved the county’s Head Start program, and was recently appointed to the Montgomery College Board of Trustees.
- Eddie Dove, a beloved third baseman and school bus driver for over 40 years, who led the “Save Our Scotland” campaign.
- Janice Freeman, a civil rights activist and business leader, participated in the Woolworth sit-ins, co-founded several companies, and established Montgomery County’s first African American Chamber of Commerce.
- Roy Priest, chair of the Housing Opportunities Commission, has spent five decades advocating for affordable housing and community services.
- Charles “Charlie Buck” Thomas, Jr., a sixth-generation Sandy Spring resident, ran Charles Thomas Refuse for 56 years and promoted racial integration at Sherwood High School.
- Henry Williams, Sr., served as chair of the African American Advisory Group and president of the SCLC Montgomery County Chapter. He has also been a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church for over 40 years.
The Juneteenth celebration will continue 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.
