Maryland Commission on Civil Rights holds gala to honor civil rights

By AFRO Staff

Maryland Commission on Civil Rights Civil Rights and Fair Housing Gala

On Aug. 24 the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights held their Biennial Civil Rights and Fair Housing Gala inside of The Hall at Live! Casino in Hanover, Md. The program paid homage to both Governor Wes Moore, the first Black man to lead Maryland, and Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, first woman of color to be lieutenant governor, for service to the state.

Other honorees for the evening of pomp and circumstance included Superintendent of the Maryland State Police Colonel Roland L. Butler Jr., and President and CEO of the National Fair Housing Alliance Lisa Rice.

Comptroller of Maryland Brooke E. Lierman and Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown were recognized with Visionary Awards during the program, which featured author and activist Dr. Michael Eric Dyson as keynote speaker.

Lt. Governor Aruna Miller speaks moments after receiving a Visionary Award from the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. Stephanie Suerth, a chairperson for the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, speaks to those gathered. Suerth was appointed March 12, 2021 and will serve in her role until June 30, 2025.Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, prolific author and activist, serves as keynote speaker for the event. Gary MonroeDawn Collins and Richard Collin Jr., parents of Second Lieutenant Richard W. Collins lll, work to keep the legacy of their son alive via a foundation named in his honor. Kirk and Nonet Sykes show up to the Biennial Civil Rights and Fair Housing Gala in style.Model Carolyn Phillips serves up a layered look at the gala.Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown receives his Visionary Award.Acting Executive Director of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights Cleveland L. Horton ll (left) and Yolanda Sonnier, president of the Maryland Association of Human Relations/Rights Agencies, present an award to Major Crystal Carter Savage (center), assistant bureau chief of support services, on behalf of Bureau Personnel Command for Colonel Roland L. Butler Jr. (not shown). Honoree Lisa Rice, president and CEO of the National Fair Housing Alliance, speaks after being recognized for her work on affordable housing.